IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i18p8274-d1483905.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The Nonlinear Effects of Digital Finance on Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Qingmin Yin

    (Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
    School of Economics and Finance, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China)

  • Nan Su

    (Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
    School of Economics and Finance, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China)

  • Chenhui Ding

    (Economics and Management School, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China)

Abstract

Digital finance enhances corporate ESG performance and is essential for achieving sustainable development; however, its consistent effectiveness in improving ESG outcomes remains contested. Using panel data from A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges in China from 2011 to 2021, this study empirically examines nonlinear effects, transmission mechanisms, and moderating factors. The results indicate a U-shaped relationship between digital finance and ESG performance, with a positive impact becoming apparent when digital finance exceeds the threshold of 3.81. Mechanism tests reveal that green technological innovation and public environmental attention are crucial transmission channels for the nonlinear effects. Furthermore, financial regulation levels and environmental uncertainty negatively moderate this relationship, while corporate digital transformation has a positive moderating effect. Further analysis shows that the U-shaped relationship is more pronounced in areas with lesser financial advancement and higher levels of environmental regulation, as well as in non-high-tech industries, non-manufacturing sectors, smaller firms, and companies without political connections. This study provides empirical evidence and policy insights to support the promotion of financial services that better facilitate corporate sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Qingmin Yin & Nan Su & Chenhui Ding, 2024. "The Nonlinear Effects of Digital Finance on Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-27, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:8274-:d:1483905
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/18/8274/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/18/8274/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Valérie Revest & Alessandro Sapio, 2012. "Financing technology-based small firms in Europe: what do we know?," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 39(1), pages 179-205, July.
    2. Miriam Bruhn & Inessa Love, 2014. "The Real Impact of Improved Access to Finance: Evidence from Mexico," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 69(3), pages 1347-1376, June.
    3. Adhikari, Binay K. & Agrawal, Anup, 2018. "Peer influence on payout policies," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 615-637.
    4. Yang Lyu & Zheng Ji & Xiaoqi Zhang & Zhe Zhan, 2023. "Can Fintech Alleviate the Financing Constraints of Enterprises?—Evidence from the Chinese Securities Market," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-21, February.
    5. Aabo, Tom & Giorici, Iasmina Cristina, 2023. "Do female CEOs matter for ESG scores?," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 56(C).
    6. Ying Yu & Qian Zhang & Fan Song, 2023. "Non-Linear Impacts and Spatial Spillover of Digital Finance on Green Total Factor Productivity: An Empirical Study of Smart Cities in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-22, June.
    7. repec:dau:papers:123456789/10972 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. Steen Vallentin, 2015. "Governmentalities of CSR: Danish Government Policy as a Reflection of Political Difference," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 127(1), pages 33-47, March.
    9. Purva Khera & Miss Stephanie Y Ng & Ms. Sumiko Ogawa & Ms. Ratna Sahay, 2021. "Is Digital Financial Inclusion Unlocking Growth?," IMF Working Papers 2021/167, International Monetary Fund.
    10. Hans-Werner Sinn, 2008. "Public policies against global warming: a supply side approach," International Tax and Public Finance, Springer;International Institute of Public Finance, vol. 15(4), pages 360-394, August.
    11. Xingqiang Du, 2015. "How the Market Values Greenwashing? Evidence from China," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 128(3), pages 547-574, May.
    12. Richard F. J. Haans & Constant Pieters & Zi-Lin He, 2016. "Thinking about U: Theorizing and testing U- and inverted U-shaped relationships in strategy research," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(7), pages 1177-1195, July.
    13. Riccardo Torelli & Federica Balluchi & Arianna Lazzini, 2020. "Greenwashing and environmental communication: Effects on stakeholders' perceptions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 407-421, February.
    14. Ren, Xiaohang & Zeng, Gudian & Zhao, Yang, 2023. "Digital finance and corporate ESG performance: Empirical evidence from listed companies in China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    15. Panos Constantinides & Ola Henfridsson & Geoffrey G. Parker, 2018. "Introduction—Platforms and Infrastructures in the Digital Age," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 29(2), pages 381-400, June.
    16. Ahluwalia, Saurabh & Mahto, Raj V. & Guerrero, Maribel, 2020. "Blockchain technology and startup financing: A transaction cost economics perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    17. Huang, Qiping & Li, Yongjia & Lin, Meimei & McBrayer, Garrett A., 2022. "Natural disasters, risk salience, and corporate ESG disclosure," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    18. Yan Li & Lin Wang, 2021. "Correction to: Inclusive Finance in China," Springer Books, in: Yan Li & Lin Wang (ed.), Inclusive Finance in China, chapter 11, pages C1-C1, Springer.
    19. Borui Guo & Xiaoxia Huang, 2023. "Role of Digital Transformation on Carbon Performance: Evidence from Firm-Level Analysis in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-18, September.
    20. Xiuyun Yang & Qi Han, 2024. "Nonlinear effects of enterprise digital transformation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance: evidence from China," Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 15(2), pages 355-381, January.
    21. David, Kuo Chuen LEE & Joseph LIM & Kok Fai PHOON & Yu WANG, 2021. "Fintech and Financial Inclusion," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: David Kuo Chuen Lee & Joseph Lim & Kok Fai Phoon & Yu Wang (ed.), Foundations for Fintech, chapter 13, pages 243-260, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Francesca Bernini & Fabio La Rosa, 2024. "Research in the greenwashing field: concepts, theories, and potential impacts on economic and social value," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 28(2), pages 405-444, June.
    2. Wei Li & Weining Li & Veikko Seppänen & Timo Koivumäki, 2022. "How and when does perceived greenwashing affect employees' job performance? Evidence from China," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(5), pages 1722-1735, September.
    3. Ren, Xiaohang & Zeng, Gudian & Zhao, Yang, 2023. "Digital finance and corporate ESG performance: Empirical evidence from listed companies in China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    4. Lingling Xu & Tingting Tian, 2024. "Blockchain-enabled enterprise bleaching green regulation banking evolution game analysis," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(11), pages 27457-27483, November.
    5. Sant'Anna, Dário A.L.M. & Figueiredo, Paulo N., 2024. "Fintech innovation: Is it beneficial or detrimental to financial inclusion and financial stability? A systematic literature review and research directions," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    6. Wang, Yuxi & Hu, Fangjia & Wang, Yunyun, 2024. "Analyst coverage and greenwashing: Evidence from Chinese A-Share listed corporations," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    7. Yuxin Ning & Yihan Zhang, 2023. "Does Digital Finance Improve Corporate ESG Performance? An Intermediary Role Based on Financing Constraints," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-17, July.
    8. Apeti, Ablam Estel & Edoh, Eyah Denise, 2023. "Tax revenue and mobile money in developing countries," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    9. Wang, Zhen & Chu, Erming & Hao, Yukai, 2024. "Towards sustainable development: How does ESG performance promotes corporate green transformation," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    10. Zhang, Cheng & Yu, JiaQi & Bai, Yiyi & Ho, Kung-Cheng, 2024. "The impact of CEO's green experience on digital transformation," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    11. Wang, Hu & Shen, Hong, 2024. "Self-restraint or external supervision: Green bond issuance and greenwashing," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(PB).
    12. Zhengyong Zhang & Jiayi You, 2024. "Does firms' ESG information disclosure have contagion effect? Evidence from China," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(4), pages 3274-3296, July.
    13. Wei Li & Weining Li & Veikko Seppänen & Timo Koivumäki, 2023. "Effects of greenwashing on financial performance: Moderation through local environmental regulation and media coverage," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(1), pages 820-841, January.
    14. Tingfa Zhang & Huaying Qin & Weishuang Xu, 2022. "Environmental Regulation, Greenwashing Behaviour, and Green Governance of High-Pollution Enterprises in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-22, October.
    15. Dejan Glavas & Gilles Grolleau & Naoufel Mzoughi, 2023. "Greening the greenwashers – How to push greenwashers towards more sustainable trajectories," Post-Print hal-03908838, HAL.
    16. Lu, Hongyu & Cheng, Zhao, 2024. "Digital inclusive finance and corporate ESG performance: The moderating role of executives with financial backgrounds," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    17. Xing, Chao & Zhang, Xinyue & Zhang, Yuming & Zhang, Luxiu, 2024. "From green-washing to innovation-washing: Environmental information intangibility and corporate green innovation in China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 93(PB), pages 204-226.
    18. Wang, Yuan & Xing, Chao & Zhang, Luxiu, 2024. "Is greenwashing beneficial for corporate access to financing? Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    19. Qian Zhang & Linfang Tan & Da Gao, 2024. "Leading Sustainability: The Impact of Executives’ Environmental Background on the Enterprise’s ESG Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-18, August.
    20. Marco Ghitti & Gianfranco Gianfrate & Lorenza Palma, 2024. "The agency of greenwashing," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 28(3), pages 905-941, September.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:8274-:d:1483905. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.