Mandatory CSR Disclosure and Pay Gap: Evidence from China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper investigates whether mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures impact pay gaps between executives and rank-and-file employees in China. The study shows that CSR disclosure requirements attenuate the pay gap. This impact is more significant among companies with higher information asymmetry, with stronger employee bargaining power, and located in provinces with better legal environments. Finally, we show that a lower pay gap encourages economic growth by improving innovation and productivity.