Environmental, Social And Governance Scores Research Articles

Do responsible practices lead to higher firm productivity? Evidence from Europe

AbstractThis study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in its environmental, social and governance (ESG) dimensions on firm productivity. We analyze a data set comprising 448 non‐financial firms operating in 15 European countries during the period 2002–2018 and find compelling evidence indicating that both the overall ESG scores and their individual sub‐pillars, are positively associated with total factor productivity (TFP). To ensure the robustness of our findings, we employ multiple analytical approaches to address potential endogeneity and selection biases. Our evidence demonstrates that the link between ESG and TFP link becomes more pronounced during economic slowdowns, particularly in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Furthermore, our investigation reveals that firms' environmental performance plays a pivotal role in driving this relationship. To validate this outcome, we employ a quasi‐natural experiment, focused on the adoption of the international climate change treaty, the 2015 ‘Paris Agreement’. Overall, our results offer valuable insights for policymakers and regulators and confirm that involvement in sustainability practices within the non‐financial sector not only yields societal benefits but also bolsters firm‐level productivity.

Role of Audit Committees and Internal Audit in the Context of the Evolution of ESG Indicators

Abstract The purpose of this research is to analyze the role and correlation between audit committees and internal audit within companies, in the context of environmental, social and governance (ESG) evolution of indicators in the information industry. Design/methodology/approach - This paper aims to understand whether there is a correlation between these 3 indicators (audit committee, internal audit and ESG indicators) and what is the impact on ESG score. The reported data is collected from a sample of companies included in the Refinitiv Eikon database and analyzed using a panel data analysis at both regional and industry levels. The sample is composed of the number 889 companies, from Europe, most of them members of the European Union and covers a period of 4 years, from 2019 to 2022. The results of this study show that AC and internal audit have a significant positive impact on sustainability disclosure, highlighting the positive impact of reporting according to GRI guidelines, the efficiency of internal audit and the independence of the audit committee. This research contributes to the literature on sustainability reporting by information industry companies, in which regulators do not play a dominant role in determining the degree of disclosure. In the future, it will be necessary to have more involvement in determining these companies to have a greater responsibility regarding the transparency of reporting.

Relationship of ESG Scores with Firm Performance: A Study of Indian Listed Companies

This study seeks to explore whether there is a substantial correlation between corporations’ ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) ratings and their profitability, specifically return on assets (ROA). It aims to determine whether this correlation is positive, negative or neutral in nature. The research methodology involved an investigation of companies listed on the BSE500 stock index, analysing their ESG ratings for the years 2020 and 2021. The final dataset encompassed 148 companies, resulting in 296 observations for the two years, sourced from the Ace equity database. Panel regression analysis was employed to assess the link between ESG ratings (the independent variable) and ROA (the dependent variable), while also considering financial leverage and firm size as control factors. The results revealed a statistically significant negative linkage between ESG ratings and firm performance, as indicated by ROA, at a 5% significance level. The negative relation between ESG scores and firm performance (ROA) could be attributed to several factors. Organisations that prefer ESG initiatives often incur additional costs in areas like environmental compliance and employee welfare, which can temporarily reduce profitability. Moreover, ESG-conscious firms may make long-term investments that take time to generate returns, impacting short-term ROA. Additionally, stringent ESG standards may deter certain investors or customers, affecting revenue. However, over the long run, robust ESG practices can enhance sustainability and resilience, potentially leading to improved performance and risk mitigation.

The impact of ESG profile on Firm's valuation in emerging markets

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are a critical input in emerging markets for managing risks, attracting capital, being competitive, and complying with evolving regulations. The firms prioritizing ESG are likely to drive innovation and enhance long-term value creation, making them more resilient in these dynamic markets. Therefore, a plausible link should exist between ESG and firm valuation. In this paper, we attempt to validate this link by evaluating the impact of ESG scores and ESG controversies on Tobin's Q and enterprise value to sales (EV/S). Our assessment is based on a comprehensive sample of non-financial firms across sixteen emerging markets for eleven years. Based on fixed effects panel estimations we demonstrate, in general, a positive relationship between firm value and ESG profiles. The fundamental valuation (Tobin's Q) is influenced by the lagged ESG score, while for the multiplier (EV/S), we find the current ESG score to be relevant. For the RepRisk index, we observe that ESG controversies negatively impact firm value for both fundamental and multiplier proxies. Our findings hold considerable implications for the evolving landscape of ESG compliance, particularly for firms and investors in emerging markets, as well as for the broader financial system.

Does environmental, social and governance performance affect acquisition premium?

PurposeFrom a target perspective, this paper aims to examine the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction valuations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a sample of 629 international transactions conducted between 2002 and 2020. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was applied by using ESG aggregate score and the three ESG pillars: environment, social and governance.FindingsThis paper finds that the ESG performance of targets has a negative and significant impact on acquisition premiums. However, this paper finds that targets receive lower premiums by increasing their ESG score, suggesting that targets would do better to focus on ESG to increase shareholder wealth. Thus, results of this paper support the view that ESG-focused firms create shareholder value through the M&A process. Furthermore, results of this paper indicate that environmental and social aspects of ESG drive the acquisition premium. The governance score does not seem to be related to acquisition premiums.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first study to assess whether ESG performance impacts the valuation of M&A transactions by decomposing ESG into its three components.

The implications of COVID-19 on ESG performance and financial reporting quality in Egypt

Purpose This examine the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on financial reporting quality (FRQ) before and during COVID-19 in the Egyptian market. Design/methodology/approach This study uses quarterly data from 2017 to 2021 to draw conclusions, with a sample consisting of 486 firm-year observations for 27 Egyptian companies listed on the Standard and Poor’s/Egyptian Stock Exchange ESG index. This study uses both firms’ ESG scores and the Beneish Model, an earnings detection model, as proxies for FRQ. COVID-19 effects on ESG performance and FRQ were examined by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and two-stage least squares. Findings COVID-19 has a significant impact on the link between ESG and FRQ. This implies that corporations with high ESG performance are less likely to manipulate earnings (having a low M-score) and thus provide high FRQ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, there is a significant positive relationship between firm size, leverage and M-Score, indicating that large firms typically present a high FRQ. Research limitations/implications The sample size and data availability are the main research limitations. Additionally, this study only considers the effects of firms’ ESG performance on FRQ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, future research should consider other factors associated with investors’ corporate social responsibility (CSR). Practical implications This research has practical implications for market regulators seeking to establish a legislative framework and enhance guidance to mandate managers to provide ESG data and CSR reports appropriate for Egypt and other developing economies in times of crisis. Social implications Promoting the adoption of ESG practices in business, particularly during crises, has the potential to effectively provide high-quality and reliable financial reporting required for investment. Originality/value This study aspires to address notable deficiencies in the pertinent literature concerning the relationship between ESG performance and FRQ during COVID-19. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, little is known about how ESG performance changes in response to pandemics in emerging markets. To address this gap, this study examines the effects of COVID-19 on the relationship between ESG performance and FRQ in Egyptian-listed firms from 2017 to 2021.

Evaluating the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility Incentives and Financial Outcomes of Corporations Operating in the GCC Region

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that has gained traction in strategic management over the years, and it is continuously being cited as important for both the business and the business shareholders. Although there is much research examining the general CSR-CFP relationship, there is very little, if any, research that investigates the firms operating in GCC countries, which is the main objective of this study. One of the new methods used to measure Corporate Social Responsibility engagement in any organisation is the ESG rating. The ESG rating measures the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) dimensions of Corporative Social Responsibility engagement. This research uses the stakeholder theory framework, together with the agency theory framework to find the impact that CSR has on the financial performance of organisations. In the research, we used annual data of ESG and financial ratios of 98 publicly listed firms operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council, from 2008 to 2018. Regression analysis was used to test the impact of ESG scores on the financial performance of organisations. According to the results, the Environmental, Social, and Governance dimensions have a significant impact on the financial performance of organisations operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the relationship between CSR performance and Financial Performance.

Impact of ESG Score on Stock Performance in Banking and IT Sector

The awareness regarding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has grown a lot in the recent past years. The paper mainly aims at investigating whether there is an existing relationship between the disclosure by the companies from the industry of Banking and Information Technology based upon Environmental, social and governance framework and the stock performance of the companies of the same industry. The study took variable as the ESG Score and annual share price of the top 5 companies each of Banking and Information Technology present in the NSE ESG INDEX between the FY2014 to FY 2023. The study has used correlation and ANNOVA to analyse the impact that ESG score has upon the share prices of the target companies. We have attained observation through our studies that the relationship that exists between the SDG score of 8 companies out of the 10 companies selected as a sample is significantly positive. This study mainly aims to determines the relationship amongst ESG disclosures and stock prices and if the relationship is positive, negative or neutral. Keyword - ESG disclosure, ESG index, ESG Score, Stock Price, Firm performances

The impact of bank’s diversity and inclusion index on profitability: evidence from Indonesia and Malaysia

The impact of bank’s diversity and inclusion index on profitability: evidence from Indonesia and Malaysia

Women on boards and ESG performance: empirical evidence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia and Malaysia

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether the presence of women in the boardroom influences companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Furthermore, it examines whether the COVID-19 pandemic and family control affect the relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses nonfinancial firms listed on the Indonesia and Malaysia Stock Exchange during 2018-2021. Thomson Reuters’ database is used to collect the ESG scores. Using 312 firm-year observations, the authors apply multiple regressions and sensitivity testing to ensure the robustness of the results.FindingsThis study provides empirical evidence that the presence of women in the boardroom improves companies’ ESG and family control weakens the relationship. Meanwhile, there is no support on the moderating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors also conducted additional tests using ESG pillars (i.e. environment, social and governance pillars) as the dependent variable. The findings are robust to alternative samplings.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to Indonesia and Malaysia, thus affecting the generalizability of the results to all developing countries. The sample size is relatively small due to data limitations related to the availability of ESG scores.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide a basis for the government to establish mandatory regulations regarding sustainability performance. The positive relationship between women on boards and better ESG performance suggests that encouraging gender diversity in corporate leadership can improve sustainability practices. The government may consider implementing gender quota regulations to increase women's representation on corporate boards.Social implicationsShareholders can pursue investment portfolios in socially responsible companies, prioritizing ESG performance. In addition, investors should consider the presence of women in the company’s boardroom and whether family control exists when making investment decisions.Originality/valueOverall, the originality and significance of this research lie in its comprehensive examination of the moderating factors, the inclusion of different governance systems in the sample, and the exploration of psychological aspects, contributing to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the relationship between women on boards and ESG performance in the context of developing countries.

Do MENA firms consider climate risks? Evidence from the relationship between ESG and firm performance

ABSTRACT We investigate the moderating effect of climate risk, measured by Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and a Global Climate Risk Index (CRI), on the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) score and firm performance using data on non-financial listed firms in the MENA region during the period 2006–2021. We perform the analysis in two stages, in the first stage, we examine the impact of ESG score on firm performance. The findings show that ESG score has a negative impact on operational and financial performance and a positive effect on market performance. Next, we hypothesize that ESG will have a more positive and stronger impact on firm performance in high than low climate risk countries. The results indicate mixed evidence. In further analysis, we have examined the effect of environmental performance index and net zero initiatives on the relationship of ESG on firm performance.

Addressing climate challenges through ESG-real estate investment strategies: An asset allocation perspective

Real estate plays a major role in environmental impact, contributing to nearly 39 % of global emissions and significantly influencing climate change. Using a sample of European REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and real estate companies, this study examines the risk-adjusted performance of real estate investments concerning their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, comparing the diversification benefits of conventional versus ESG real estate investments, with a specific focus on the environmental (E) aspects. The portfolios' asset allocation is designed using the Mean-Variance and the Risk Parity models. Simulations are run using a rolling-window technique, covering the entire sample period along with three different sub-samples. According to our findings, high ESG score real estate portfolios perform similarly to the overall sector, while portfolios with environmental scores above the sample average offer enhanced diversification benefits. This finding is particularly significant, as such portfolios have the potential to generate positive externalities by reducing climate impact through lower emissions.

Women on Board and ESG Performance: Insights from the Italian Utilities Sector

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between gender diversity and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in the Italian utilities sector. The study examines whether the presence of women on the board of directors (BoD) is related to ESG dimensions. We analyzed a sample of 482 utility companies for the period 2018-2022 and we developed an econometric model applying unbalanced panel regression data with firm fixed effects and controls per year. Within a multivariate regression model, the authors considered the ESG score provided by Refinitiv Eikon to test the research hypotheses. Findings show that the presence of women on board of directors improves ESG performance when a critical mass of female board members (at least three) is reached. A critical threshold of female directors also positively influences the scoring of environmental and social pillars. From a managerial perspective this study draws attention to BoD composition encouraging utility companies to define internal corporate governance mechanisms thoroughly. The overall findings support managers, policy makers and regulators on how to improve ESG performance through gender diversity on BoD. This paper offers an in-depth examination of the ESG practices of utility firms, and it attempts to bridge the gap in prior literature on the determinants of ESG performance in the Italian utilities sector. This study is the first that investigates the relationship between board gender diversity and ESG performance in such a context exploring how a critical mass of women on BoD affects ESG dimensions.

Unveiling the ESG-dividend nexus: the moderating role of investor protection and regulatory enforcement

PurposeThe mounting focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in business has sparked substantial curiosity in understanding the nexus between ESG and the companies’ strategic decisions. This study aims to investigate the influence of firms’ ESG disclosure scores on their dividend payout. Furthermore, it examines the nuanced dynamics of this relationship by exploring the moderating role of the country’s investor protection regulations and regulatory enforcement.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses pooled ordinary least square regression with year, industry and country effects. It analyzes a balanced panel data set of 192 non-financial firms drawn from the primary equity indices of BRICS nations. This study examined the data of six years spanning 2015–2020.FindingsThe findings discover a significantly positive relationship between ESG scores and dividend payout ratio, conveying that firms with higher ESG scores allocate more of their profits as dividends. Furthermore, the finding reveals that country-level robust investor protection and effective regulatory enforcement mechanisms undermine the positive association between ESG ratings and payouts of dividends, suggesting that the ESG disclosure of firms operating in a setting characterized by enhanced investor safeguards and stricter regulatory oversight will exert less influence on their dividend decisions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to concentrate on the ESG–dividend nexus in the BRICS countries. Furthermore, this study used each country’s investor protection index and regulatory enforcement scores to comprehend the influence of country-level legal frameworks in shaping the relationship between ESG and dividend decisions, thus adding value to the existing literature on corporate sustainability.

Does ESG implementation influence performance and risk in SMEs?

AbstractThe relationship between Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) activities and financial performance has been explored within large companies. The presence of these activities in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is still in its early stages in the literature, requiring further empirical evidence. Given the importance of SMEs in economy and based on Stakeholder Theory, a set of hypotheses regarding the influence of ESG on financial and risk performance has been tested using a sample of 538 Spanish SMEs. Specifically, an index has been developed to assess ESG at both global and individual levels. The study analyses the impact of these variables on corporate performance, taking into account factors such as the pandemic period, level of disclosure and the size effect. The results demonstrate the importance of developing and index tailored to measuring ESG within this type of company, as the methodology employed can impact the outcomes. Moreover, at the individual level, all dimensions reflect a significant relationship, but the overall ESG score does not. The social and labor dimensions prove to be the most beneficial indices for enhancing resilience during periods of crisis. Finally, the findings confirm that it is more difficult for SMEs to monetize the results of ESG investment and that disclosing these activities has a positive impact. This study contributes to existing knowledge by constructing a robust measure of the level of ESG implementation and quality, providing valuable insights for SMEs on how to effectively manage their ESG activities.

The Effect of Enviromental Score, Social Score and Governance Score Toward Financial Performance

Purpose: This research aims to analyze the influence of Enviromental Score, Social Score and Governance Score on the Financial Performance in non Financial companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2019-2021 Design/methodology/approach: The sampling method used is purposive sampling method. Data analysis using SPSS 24.0 test tool by descriptive statistics, classic assumption test, multiple linear regression test and hypothesis test Findings: The results showed that Enviromental Score, Social Score and Governance Score not significant to financial performance which measured with stock performance there are PER (Price Earning Ratio) and DPR (Devidend Payout Ratio). These considerations are expected to have a good information about Enviromental Score, Social Score and Governance Score to investor that has no effect to stock performance for. Research limitations/implications: The limitation of this study is that there are many companies that have not fully implemented the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) report as a whole so that there is a lot of reduced data that has previously been selected as a research sample. Practical implications: Can be used by company management policies in determining what strategy to use in increasing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) scores and financial performance. And indirectly, an increase in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and financial performance scores can increase the attractiveness of potential investors and investors so that companies can grow more rapidly and survive with a better level of health. Originality/value: Originality Paper type: Research paper

Do financial analysts care about ESG ?

This article studies whether financial analysts value Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria when issuing target prices. Raw results show that analysts issue lower target prices to firms with high ESG scores. We show that this relationship is, in fact, driven both by the existing size bias in ESG data and by the industry-level structure of ESG scores. When controlling for these elements, we actually find that financial analysts are more optimistic about firms that have high E, S, and G scores. Notably, the effect is more pronounced for the environmental (E) score, with a one standard deviation change associated with a 2.09 percentage point increase in the analysts’ target prices implied returns.

Pretending to be sustainable: Is ESG disparity a symptom?

This study investigates a novel dimension of ESG (environmental, social, and governance), namely the degree of inequality in the distribution of a firm’s overall ESG performance across the three pillars. By grounding our arguments on the agency theory, we argue that such a dimension can discern the degree of authenticity of managers’ ESG awareness. A more unequal distribution might be due to a discretionary and self-interested adoption of ESG principles in order to win the favour of key stakeholders. Using a sample of U.S. listed companies, we provide empirical evidence that disparity in ESG scores between pillars detracts value from ESG engagement. Moreover, such a negative moderating effect worsens in companies that are more prone to agency problems (e.g. higher cash holdings), lack ESG-based compensation, have lower leverage, and are more exposed to the investor spotlight (e.g. higher analyst coverage). Overall, our findings suggest the importance of accounting for managerial motivations to engage in ESG and support the idea that a lower perceived authenticity of these programmes results in lower value outcomes.

INDONESIA CAPITAL MARKET REACTION TO GREEN INVESTING IMPLEMENTATION

This study aims to see the differences and investor responses to the implementation of green investing in the Indonesian Capital Market, will investors prefer to invest in companies that implement environmentally friendly operations. Are there differences and investor responses before and after the implementation of green investing with the launch of an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)-based index, the index is ESG Quality 45 IDX Kehati Index on December 20, 2021. The research sample comprises all companies included in the ESG Quality 45 IDX Kehati Index , i.e. 45 companies with a large, liquid market capitalization, that have an ESG score above the minimum threshold and the Company's operations are based on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) or environmentally friendly. The data collection technique is the documentation method to obtain data on stock prices, trading volume activity, and IHSG. The data processing methods used are descriptive analysis and difference tests. With a significance value of 0.001, the data demonstrate that the average share or stock price changed significantly before and after the Index was included. The significance value of the paired sample t-test before and after the company entered the index showed values of 0.0640 and 0.179, indicating that there was no significant difference between the abnormal return and trading volume activity of the company before and after entering the index. In addition, investors did not react significantly to the Company included in the ESG Quality 45 IDX Kehati Index.

Cultural and gender diversity for ESG performance towards knowledge sharing: empirical evidence from European banks

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effects of board cultural diversity (BCD) and board gender diversity (BGD) of the board of directors on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in the European banking sector using resource-based view (RBV) theory. In addition, this study analyses the linkages between BCD and BGD and knowledge sharing on the board of directors to improve ESG performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study selected a sample of European-listed banks covering the period 2021. ESG and diversity variables were collected from Refinitiv Eikon and analysed using the ordinary least squares model. This study was conducted in the European context regulated by Directive 95/2014/EU, which requires sustainability disclosure. The original population was represented by 250 banks; after missing data were excluded, the final sample comprised 96 European-listed banks.FindingsThe findings highlight the positive linkages between BGD, BCD and ESG scores in the European banking sector. In addition, the findings highlight that diversity contributes to knowledge sharing by improving ESG performance in a regulated sector. Nonetheless, the combined effect of BGD and BCD negatively impacts ESG performance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to measure and analyse a regulated sector, such as banking, and the relationship between cultural and gender diversity for sharing knowledge under the RBV theory lens in the ESG framework.