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The Economics and Politics of Corporate Social Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Baron, David P.

    (Stanford U)

  • Harjoto, Maretno A.

    (Pepperdine U)

  • Jo, Hoje

    (Santa Clara U)

Abstract

This paper provides an empirical test of a theory that relates corporate financial performance (CFP), corporate social performance (CSP), and social pressure from government and social activist for improved social performance. A three-equation structural model is estimated for a large number of firms for 1996-2004. The estimates are statistically and economically significant and consistent with the theory. CFP as measured by Tobin's q is increasing in CSP, indicating that it is rewarded by consumers, employees, or investors, and decreasing in social pressure. CSP is increasing in social pressure, indicating that social performance is responsive to social pressure which mitigates some of the negative effect of social pressure on CFP. CSP is also increasing in CFP, which is consistent with social performance being a perquisite for management. Social pressure is decreasing in CFP and increasing in CSP, which is consistent with social pressure being directed to soft targets that are likely to be responsive. The measures of CSP and social pressure are also disaggregated, and the relations among CFP, CSP, and social pressure are largely due to responsive CSP and social pressure arising from private politics.

Suggested Citation

  • Baron, David P. & Harjoto, Maretno A. & Jo, Hoje, 2008. "The Economics and Politics of Corporate Social Performance," Research Papers 1993, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:stabus:1993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Constantin Belu & Cristiana Manescu, 2013. "Strategic corporate social responsibility and economic performance," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(19), pages 2751-2764, July.
    3. Patricia Crifo & Vanina Forget, 2013. "La responsabilité sociale et environnementale des entreprises : mirage ou virage ?," Working Papers hal-00830642, HAL.
    4. Patricia Crifo & Vanina D. Forget, 2015. "The Economics Of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Firm-Level Perspective Survey," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(1), pages 112-130, February.
    5. Patricia Crifo & Antoine Rebérioux, 2016. "Corporate governance and corporate social responsibility: a typology of OECD countries," Post-Print halshs-01591993, HAL.
    6. Becchetti, Leonardo & Ciciretti, Rocco & Giovannelli, Alessandro, 2013. "Corporate social responsibility and earnings forecasting unbiasedness," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(9), pages 3654-3668.
    7. Patricia Crifo & Vanina Forget, 2012. "The Economics of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Survey," Working Papers hal-00720640, HAL.
    8. Florence Lachet-Touya, 2019. "The Assignment of a CSR Level of Action: Rule vs Discretion," Working Papers hal-02141052, HAL.
    9. Florence TOUYA, 2019. "The Assignment of a CSR Level of Action: Rule vs Discretion," Working Papers 2018-2019_3, CATT - UPPA - Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, revised Jun 2019.
    10. Ducassy, Isabelle & Montandrau, Sophie, 2015. "Corporate social performance, ownership structure, and corporate governance in France," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 383-396.

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