Examining the Effect of CSR on Financial Performance in China: Agency Cost as Mediator

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examinethe relationship between CSR and corporate financial performance, mainly discussing the relationship between CSR and ROA, also use the agency cost as the mediating variable, using a sample of listed companies in China to conduct the study and provide relevant suggestions for the subsequent development of the company Theoretical framework: As for external social responsibility, the government, the media, the public and corporate governance should strengthen the reporting and monitoring of external social responsibility and establish a multi-governance monitoring system. Design/methodology/approach: Theresearcher used quantitative analysis to explore the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable, to reflect how the independent variable affect the dependent variable, and in turn, how to improve the financial performance of firms in China. Findings: The results showed that ccompanies should be restrained from fulfilling external social responsibility as a way of giving back to society without compensation, and should not aim to win the market through speculation or malicious collusion, otherwise it will hinder their long-term development and become a double-edged sword Research, Practical & Social implications: The study is based on heterogeneity and finds that internal social responsibility is conducive to enhancing employee motivation, maintaining the interests of shareholders and internal stakeholders such as suppliers and customers, thus providing a favourable internal environment for green technology innovation. In contrast, an excessive level of external social responsibility fulfilment can lead to companies making the maintenance of external social relations a corporate priority and viewing external social responsibility fulfilment as a tool for speculation to gain access to the market, so that in this way companies may neglect their development. Originality/value: The value of the study highlighted the economic agents, enterprises should actively fulfil their internal social responsibility and strengthen the maintenance of relationships with internal stakeholders such as employees, shareholders, suppliers and customers.