The board profiles that promote environmental, social, and governance disclosure–Evidence from S&P 500 firms

Abstract

While scholars have showed that board characteristics are critical to explain firm behaviors and outcomes, there is a distinct lack of research that examines the interdependencies among those characteristics in predicting firm ESG reporting. In this paper, we examine the complex interdependent relationships among popular board characteristics: gender diversity, cultural diversity, compensation, independence, tenure, size, CEO duality, and their impact on ESG disclosure. We perform the fuzzy set qualitative comparative approach (fsQCA) with a sample of S&P500 firms over a ten-year period from 2013 to 2022. Our results reveal 16 board profiles leading to high ESG reporting. In addition, we offer insights into the complementary and substitution effects among the board characteristics and the core characteristics that promote ESG disclosure. Given the increasing importance of sustainable investing disclosure, our paper provides implications for policymakers and firms in enhancing corporate governance policies and practices to support ESG reporting.