IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i20p9016-d1501324.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Firm ESG Performance and Supply-Chain Total-Factor Productivity

Author

Listed:
  • Feng Yang

    (School of Business, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Tingwei Chen

    (School of Economics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Zongbin Zhang

    (School of Economics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China)

  • Kan Yao

    (The Center For Economic Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China)

Abstract

Promoting firms’ green evolution and achieving sustainable, high-quality development have become crucial for firms’ sustainability. This study uses data from publicly listed automotive manufacturing firms from 2009 to 2022 to examine the impact of target firms’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on total-factor productivity (TFP) at upstream and downstream firms from a supply-chain perspective. By employing a two-way, fixed-effects model, mediation analysis, and a moderation model, the study provides comprehensive insights. The findings reveal the following: (1) The ESG performance of target firms in automotive manufacturing significantly improves the TFP of downstream customers, and this conclusion is robust even when using instrumental variable methods, additional control variables, and rigorous robustness tests. (2) Mechanism analysis indicates that the ESG performance of target firms alleviates the financing constraints of their customers, thereby positively impacting the customers’ TFP. Additionally, the study finds that the monopolistic power of the target firm negatively moderates the relationship between its ESG performance and the TFP of its customers. These empirical findings enhance the understanding of supply-chain spillover effects and provide a new theoretical foundation for improving firms’ ESG performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Yang & Tingwei Chen & Zongbin Zhang & Kan Yao, 2024. "Firm ESG Performance and Supply-Chain Total-Factor Productivity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:9016-:d:1501324
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/20/9016/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/20/9016/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. George Marian Aevoae & Alin Marius Andrieș & Steven Ongena & Nicu Sprincean, 2023. "ESG and systemic risk," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(27), pages 3085-3109, June.
    2. Pittman, Jeffrey A. & Fortin, Steve, 2004. "Auditor choice and the cost of debt capital for newly public firms," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 113-136, February.
    3. Chen, Zhongfei & Xie, Guanxia, 2022. "ESG disclosure and financial performance: Moderating role of ESG investors," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    4. Baldi, Francesco & Pandimiglio, Alessandro, 2022. "The role of ESG scoring and greenwashing risk in explaining the yields of green bonds: A conceptual framework and an econometric analysis," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    5. Lin, Yongjia & Fu, Xiaoqing & Fu, Xiaolan, 2021. "Varieties in state capitalism and corporate innovation: Evidence from an emerging economy," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    6. Jing Li & Da Yan, 2021. "Exploration on the Mechanism of the Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Enterprise Sustainable Development Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-18, September.
    7. Yoon Hee Kim, 2017. "The Effects of Major Customer Networks on Supplier Profitability," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 53(1), pages 26-40, January.
    8. Yongqiang Chu & Xuan Tian & Wenyu Wang, 2019. "Corporate Innovation Along the Supply Chain," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 67(6), pages 2445-2466, June.
    9. Charles J. Hadlock & Joshua R. Pierce, 2010. "New Evidence on Measuring Financial Constraints: Moving Beyond the KZ Index," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 23(5), pages 1909-1940.
    10. Hongshan Ai & Shenglan Hu & Ke Li & Shuai Shao, 2020. "Environmental regulation, total factor productivity, and enterprise duration: Evidence from China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2284-2296, September.
    11. C. Edward Fee & Charles J. Hadlock & Joshua R. Pierce, 2009. "Investment, Financing Constraints, and Internal Capital Markets: Evidence from the Advertising Expenditures of Multinational Firms," The Review of Financial Studies, Society for Financial Studies, vol. 22(6), pages 2361-2392, June.
    12. Ellison, Glenn & Glaeser, Edward L, 1997. "Geographic Concentration in U.S. Manufacturing Industries: A Dartboard Approach," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 105(5), pages 889-927, October.
    13. Fare, Rolf & Shawna Grosskopf & Mary Norris & Zhongyang Zhang, 1994. "Productivity Growth, Technical Progress, and Efficiency Change in Industrialized Countries," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 84(1), pages 66-83, March.
    14. Joel S. Demski, 2003. "Corporate Conflicts of Interest," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 17(2), pages 51-72, Spring.
    15. Olley, G Steven & Pakes, Ariel, 1996. "The Dynamics of Productivity in the Telecommunications Equipment Industry," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 64(6), pages 1263-1297, November.
    16. Raymond Fisman & Yongxiang Wang, 2010. "Trading Favors within Chinese Business Groups," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 100(2), pages 429-433, May.
    17. Li, Siyu & Zhao, Xiande & Huo, Baofeng, 2018. "Supply chain coordination and innovativeness: A social contagion and learning perspective," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 47-61.
    18. Smirlock, Michael, 1985. "Evidence on the (Non) Relationship between Concentration and Profitability in Banking," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 17(1), pages 69-83, February.
    19. Beatrice Marchi & Simone Zanoni, 2017. "Supply Chain Management for Improved Energy Efficiency: Review and Opportunities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-29, October.
    20. Sharpe, Steven A, 1990. "Asymmetric Information, Bank Lending, and Implicit Contracts: A Stylized Model of Customer Relationships," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 45(4), pages 1069-1087, September.
    21. Luo, Xingwu & Huang, Feifei & Tang, Xiaobo & Li, Jialong, 2021. "Government subsidies and firm performance: Evidence from high-tech start-ups in China," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    22. Shail Pandit & Charles E. Wasley & Tzachi Zach, 2011. "Information Externalities along the Supply Chain: The Economic Determinants of Suppliers’ Stock Price Reaction to Their Customers’ Earnings Announcements," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(4), pages 1304-1343, December.
    23. Emily W. Choi & Özalp Özer & Yanchong Zheng, 2020. "Network Trust and Trust Behaviors Among Executives in Supply Chain Interactions," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 66(12), pages 5823-5849, December.
    24. James Levinsohn & Amil Petrin, 2003. "Estimating Production Functions Using Inputs to Control for Unobservables," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 70(2), pages 317-341.
    25. Juan Camilo Serpa & Harish Krishnan, 2018. "The Impact of Supply Chains on Firm-Level Productivity," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 64(2), pages 511-532, February.
    26. Ellen Pei‐yi Yu & Christine Qian Guo & Bac Van Luu, 2018. "Environmental, social and governance transparency and firm value," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(7), pages 987-1004, November.
    27. Xu, Bing & Sendra-García, Javier & Gao, Yanxia & Chen, Xiaohui, 2020. "Driving total factor productivity: Capital and labor with tax allocation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    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. Qi, Yu & Yu, Jinliang & Yang, Shubo & Xie, Xiaoyi, 2022. "Local government consumption and firm performance: Evidence from the "TPCs" in China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    2. Rongwu Zhang & Lan Luo & Jianjun Du, 2023. "The influence of fiscal policy uncertainty on corporate total factor productivity: Evidence from Chinese public companies," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 41(3), pages 532-554, July.
    3. Guo, Yunxia & Yu, Mengyao & Xu, Mingchen & Tang, Ying & Huang, Jingran & Liu, Jia & Hao, Yu, 2023. "Productivity gains from green finance: A holistic and regional examination from China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 127(PA).
    4. Giovanni Calice & Levent Kutlu & Ming Zeng, 2021. "Understanding US firm efficiency and its asset pricing implications," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 60(2), pages 803-827, February.
    5. Yuan, Li & Rao, Siqi & Yang, Shenggang & Dai, Pengyi, 2023. "Does equity market openness increase productivity? the dual effects of Shanghai-Hong Kong stock Connect program in China," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    6. Mohamed Amara & Khaled Thabet, 2019. "Firm and regional factors of productivity: a multilevel analysis of Tunisian manufacturing," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 63(1), pages 25-51, August.
    7. Guo, Shu & Zhang, ZhongXiang, 2023. "Green credit policy and total factor productivity: Evidence from Chinese listed companies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    8. Hsu, Wen-Tai & Lu, Yi & Luo, Xuan & Zhu, Lianming, 2023. "Foreign direct investment and industrial agglomeration: Evidence from China," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(2), pages 610-639.
    9. Amaresh K Tiwari, 2023. "Automation In An Open, Catching-Up Economy: Aggregate And Microeconometric Evidence," University of Tartu - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Working Paper Series 144, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu (Estonia).
    10. To, Thomas Y. & Navone, Marco & Wu, Eliza, 2018. "Analyst coverage and the quality of corporate investment decisions," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 164-181.
    11. Tan, Jianhua & Hua, Min & Chan, Kam C., 2024. "Do anticipated government environmental audits improve firm productivity? Evidence from China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    12. Koenig, Pamina & Mayneris, Florian & Poncet, Sandra, 2010. "Local export spillovers in France," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(4), pages 622-641, May.
    13. Barrios, Salvador & Bertinelli, Luisito & Strobl, Eric, 2006. "Coagglomeration and spillovers," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 467-481, July.
    14. Ito, Banri & Xu, Zhaoyuan & Yashiro, Naomitsu, 2015. "Does agglomeration promote internationalization of Chinese firms?," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 109-121.
    15. Maogang Tang & Silu Cheng & Wenqing Guo & Weibiao Ma & Fengxia Hu, 2023. "Relationship between carbon emission trading schemes and companies’ total factor productivity: evidence from listed companies in China," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(10), pages 11735-11767, October.
    16. Reto Wernli & Andreas Dietrich, 2022. "Only the brave: improving self-rationing efficiency among discouraged Swiss SMEs," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 59(3), pages 977-1003, October.
    17. Massimo Del Gatto & Adriana Di Liberto & Carmelo Petraglia, 2011. "Measuring Productivity," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(5), pages 952-1008, December.
    18. Wu, Qingyang & Wang, Yanying, 2022. "How does carbon emission price stimulate enterprises' total factor productivity? Insights from China's emission trading scheme pilots," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    19. Zhu, Jun & Xu, Haokun & Zhang, Yue, 2022. "Local government debt and firm productivity: Evidence from China," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    20. Suo, Xuekun & Zhang, Longting & Guo, Rong & Lin, Han & Yu, Mingchuan & Du, Xiuhong, 2024. "The inverted U-shaped association between digital economy and corporate total factor productivity: A knowledge-based perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).

    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:20:p:9016-:d:1501324. 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.