Can independent directors' green experience curb corporate environmental violations: Evidence from Chinese heavily polluting listed companies

Abstract

This study explores the influence of independent directors' green experience on corporate environmental violations, utilizing data from Chinese A-share heavily polluting listed companies spanning 2013 to 2021. The empirical findings underscore that independent directors' green experience significantly curbs corporate environmental violations. Additionally, corporate environmental concern partially mediates this effect, while the nature of ownership and institutional investor shareholding positively moderate the relationship. Our findings are robust, contributing to the existing literature on the drivers of corporate environmental violations and offering valuable insights for policymakers.