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Non-economic Performance of Benefit Corporations: A Variance Decomposition Approach

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  • Pankaj C. Patel

    (Villanova School of Business, Villanova University)

  • C. S. Richard Chan

    (Stony Brook University)

Abstract

Drawing on evolutionary realism as a guiding framework and using relevant theoretical bases at macro- (country-), meso- (industry-), and micro- (firm-) levels, we investigate the relative variance explained by each level on selection (non-economic performance) and retention (decertification) of Benefit Corporations (B-Corps). Based on a sample of 5052 observations of certified B-Corps and 1403 observations of decertified B-Corps, relative to the country and industry differences, firm-level differences explain most of the variance in non-economic performance, especially for workers and community impact areas. Industry-level differences explain small differences in customers and environmental performance while country differences do not explain meaningful performance differences. The results also show a similar pattern in relative effects for decertified B-Corps. Our findings point to the value of disaggregating the relative effects of multilevel factors in further understanding drivers of non-economic performance and the decertification of B-Corps.

Suggested Citation

  • Pankaj C. Patel & C. S. Richard Chan, 2022. "Non-economic Performance of Benefit Corporations: A Variance Decomposition Approach," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 178(2), pages 355-376, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:178:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-021-04754-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-021-04754-y
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