Volume 64, Issue 5 pp. 4771-4788
RESEARCH ARTICLE

A cross-cultural study of ESG impact on corporate performance and equity

Lei Wu

Lei Wu

School of Public Finance and Taxation, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China

Search for more papers by this author
Zhenkai Zhai

Zhenkai Zhai

School of Public Finance and Taxation, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China

Search for more papers by this author
Yongbin Lv

Corresponding Author

Yongbin Lv

School of Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China

Correspondence

Yongbin Lv, School of Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 182 Nanhu Avenue, 430073 Wuhan, China.

Email: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author
First published: 29 September 2024

Abstract

Utilising A-share corporate data and quantitative and empirical methodologies, this study examines the potential influence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and Confucianism on two critical dimensions of corporate governance: corporate profitability and equity in compensation. The findings indicate that while ESG practices contribute to enhanced profitability, they are also associated with an increased disparity in fair pay, indicating more pronounced salary variations. Significantly, the incorporation of Confucian principles appears to moderate these disparities, aligning ESG efforts more closely with principles of equitable compensation. This research analyses the interplay between contemporary sustainability initiatives and traditional cultural norms, offering valuable insights for the formulation of balanced corporate management strategies.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties.