Performance Feedback Research Articles

Navigating through the noise: The effect of color‐coded performance feedback on decision‐making

AbstractMany companies use color codes in their internal performance reports to highlight how current performance compares to performance in a previous period. We examine whether the use of color coding affects managers' decision‐making in a resource allocation task. We argue that managers' decision accuracy will be lower if they receive noisier feedback, but that this detrimental effect of noise can be mitigated through color coding. Using two experiments, we find evidence consistent with our theory. Managers who receive reports in which performance increases are color‐coded green and performance decreases are color‐coded red are less affected by noise than managers who receive feedback reports without color coding. Supplemental analyses suggest that color coding induces managers to process feedback in a more holistic manner, which reduces the adverse effect of noise on managers' learning processes. Our findings have several important implications for research and practice.

Implementing a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Module With a Software Tool (Future Health Today): Qualitative Study.

Primary care plays a key role in the management of type 2 diabetes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been demonstrated to reduce hospitalization and cardiac and renal complications. Tools that optimize management, including appropriate prescribing, are a priority for treating chronic diseases. Future Health Today (FHT) is software that facilitates clinical decision support and quality improvement. FHT applies algorithms to data stored in electronic medical records in general practice to identify patients who are at risk of a chronic disease or who have a chronic disease that may benefit from intensification of management. The platform continues to evolve because of rigorous evaluation, continuous improvement, and expansion of the conditions hosted on the platform. FHT currently displays recommendations for the identification and management of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer risk. A new module will be introduced to FHT focusing on SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes who have chronic kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study aims to explore the barriers and enablers to the implementation of an SGLT2 inhibitor module within the Future Health Today software. Clinic staff were recruited to participate in interviews on their experience in their use of a tool to improve prescribing behavior for SGLT2 inhibitors. Thematic analysis was guided by Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory. In total, 16 interviews were completed. Identified enablers of use included workflow alignment, clinical appropriateness, and active delivery of the module. Key barriers to use were competing priorities, staff engagement, and knowledge of the clinical topic. There is a recognized benefit to the use of a clinical decision support tool to support type 2 diabetes management, but barriers were identified that impeded the usability and actionability of the module. Successful and effective implementation of this tool could support the optimization of patient management of type 2 diabetes in primary care.

Crowding-Out or Crowding-In? The Impact of Performance Rating on Public Service Motivation: Evidence From a Chinese Local Government

Despite extensive research on Public Service Motivation (PSM), reconciling the debate over whether PSM is a state or a trait remains a challenge among public administration scholars. Studies exploring the antecedents of PSM that engage in this debate often overlook the importance of organizational factors in influencing PSM. Framed within the literature on the behavioral aspects of performance information processing and adopting a propensity-score-matching model with data from a Chinese local government, we examine whether and how performance ratings influence public service motivation of public servants. The results show that performance ratings have a crowding-out effect, underscoring how the ways in which signals of performance feedback are conveyed to public servants can shape PSM. Our findings contribute to understanding the antecedents that preserve and promote public service motivation. We call for future research that focuses on public-value-based performance appraisal systems in centralized regimes.

The impact of performance feedback on corporate ESG performance: Mediating role of environmental strategy.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of performance feedback (performance expectation surplus, performance expectation deficit) on corporate ESG performance, and this paper also to investigate the role of environmental strategy as a mechanism in the impact of enterprises' performance feedback on corporate ESG performance. The study used data from 3679 companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges for the period 2009-2021 and also measured the intensity of corporate environmental strategies through analysis. Finally, we used a fixed effects model to test the research hypothesis. This study shows that enterprise performance feedback positively affects corporate ESG performance and that environmental strategy plays a significant mechanistic role in enterprise performance feedback and corporate ESG performance. Overall, performance expectation surplus negatively affects ESG performance, performance expectation deficit positively affects ESG performance, and the mechanism of environmental strategy plays a significant role in performance expectation deficit and ESG performance. The results of this study can help enterprises establish a scientific environmental management system, strengthen the supervision of enterprise environmental management, and have certain reference significance for enterprises to speed up the implementation of environmental protection measures. This study adds to the literature by describing corporate ESG performance using performance feedback theory and explaining the inherent role of enterprise performance feedback in corporate ESG performance utilizing environmental strategies.

MARKET EXPANSION AND COMPETITIVE POSITIONING IN SATELLITE TELECOMMUNICATIONS: A REVIEW OF ANALYTICS-DRIVEN STRATEGIES WITHIN THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE

Market expansion and competitive positioning are paramount in the dynamic landscape of satellite telecommunications. This review explores the role of analytics-driven strategies in achieving these objectives on a global scale. Satellite telecommunications providers face intense competition, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations, necessitating innovative approaches to gain a competitive edge. Analytics plays a crucial role in understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies. By leveraging advanced analytics techniques, companies can uncover actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making. One key area where analytics is instrumental is in identifying untapped market opportunities. Through data analysis, companies can pinpoint underserved regions or niche markets, enabling targeted expansion efforts. Moreover, analytics enables companies to optimize their service offerings and pricing strategies. By analyzing customer preferences, usage patterns, and market dynamics, companies can tailor their offerings to meet specific customer needs. This personalized approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also improves profitability. Analytics also plays a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency. By analyzing data from satellite networks, companies can identify potential bottlenecks, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall network performance. This not only reduces operational costs but also enhances service reliability and quality. Furthermore, analytics-driven strategies are instrumental in competitive positioning. By analyzing competitor performance, market trends, and customer feedback, companies can identify areas where they can differentiate themselves. This could include offering innovative services, improving customer support, or enhancing network coverage. In conclusion, analytics-driven strategies are crucial for satellite telecommunications companies looking to expand their market presence and enhance their competitive positioning. By leveraging data analytics, companies can uncover valuable insights that inform strategic decision-making, optimize operations, and drive innovation. In an increasingly competitive landscape, the ability to harness the power of analytics is key to long-term success in the satellite telecommunications industry.
 Keywords: Market Expansion, Competitive, Positioning, Satellite, Communications.

Evaluation of different approaches to define expert benchmark scores for new robotic training simulators based on the Medtronic HUGO™ RAS surgical robot experience.

New robot-assisted surgery platforms being developed will be required to have proficiency-based simulation training available. Scoring methodologies and performance feedback for trainees are currently not consistent across all robotic simulator platforms. Also, there are virtually no prior publications on how VR simulation passing benchmarks have been established. This paper compares methods evaluated to determine the proficiency-based scoring thresholds (a.k.a. benchmarks) for the new Medtronic Hugo™ RAS robotic simulator. Nine experienced robotic surgeons from multiple disciplines performed the 49 skills exercises 5 times each. The data were analyzed in 3 different ways: (1) include all data collected, (2) exclude first sessions, (3) exclude outliers. Eliminating the first session discounts becoming familiar with the exercise. Discounting outliers allows removal of potentially erroneous data that may be due to technical issues, unexpected distractions, etc. Outliers were identified using a common statistical technique involving the interquartile range of the data. Using each method above, mean and standard deviations were calculated, and the benchmark was set at a value of 1 standard deviation above the mean. In comparison to including all the data, when outliers are excluded, fewer data points are removed than just excluding first sessions, and the metric benchmarks are made more difficult by an average of 11%. When first sessions are excluded, the metric benchmarks are made easier by an average of about 2%. In comparison with benchmarks calculated using all data points, excluding outliers resulted in the biggest change making the benchmarks more challenging. We determined that this method provided the best representation of the data. These benchmarks should be validated with future clinical training studies.

What factors contribute to in-role and extra-role safety behavior among food delivery riders?

Food delivery riders face significant road safety risks globally. Previous studies have primarily focused on the direct relationship between job demands, job resources, and road safety behaviors, often neglecting the potential indirect paths through dual processes, namely the health impairment process and the motivational process, which may lead to dangerous riding behaviors. Additionally, the impact of organizational citizenship behaviors on the safety of food delivery riders within the industry remains unexplored. This study aims to address these gaps by applying the dual processes of the Job Demands-Resources model (JD-R) to identify factors influencing the safety behaviors of food delivery riders in Vietnam. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys with 410 riders in public places. The findings show a nuanced interplay between job demands, resources, and safety behaviors. Specifically, job burnout acts as a bridge, mediating the influence of job demands on in-role safety behaviors. On the other hand, job resources-encompassing facets like job autonomy, performance feedback, technology support, and work support-indirectly shape both in-role and extra-role safety behaviors via the conduit of motivation. These resources not only bolster motivation but also serve as pillars in fostering a culture of safety among riders. This research not only deepens our understanding of the determinants of food delivery riders' safety behaviors but also highlights the pivotal role food delivery companies play in shaping these behaviors. By prioritizing the holistic well-being of their riders and offering robust support, these companies can foster an environment conducive to safety. Additionally, by integrating additional dimensions of job demands and resources into the JD-R model, this study paves the way for more comprehensive and nuanced future research in this domain.

Accurate Identification for CW Direct Signal in Underwater Acoustic Ranging

The underwater channel is bilateral, heterogeneous, uncertain, and exhibits multipath transmission, sound line curvature, etc. These properties complicate the structure of the received pulse, causing great challenges in direct signal identification for ranging purposes and impacts on back-end data processing, even accurate acoustic positioning. Machine learning (ML) combined with underwater acoustics has emerged as a prominent area of research in recent years. From a statistical perspective, ML can be viewed as an optimization strategy. Nevertheless, the existing ML-based direct-signal discrimination approaches rely on independent assessment, utilizing a single sensor (beacon or buoy), which is still insufficient for adapting to the complex underwater environment. Thus, discrimination accuracy decreases. To address the above issues, an accurate CW direct signal detection approach is performed using the decision tree algorithm, which belongs to ML. Initially, the pulse parameter characteristics in the underwater multipath channel are investigated and the parameter models are built. Then, based on multi-sensor localization performance feedback, fusion characteristics for diverse pulse are created. Next, the pulse parameter characteristics are preprocessed to mitigate the impact of varying magnitudes and units of magnitude on data processing. Then, the decision tree is built to obtain the desired output results and realize accurate recognition of the ranging direct signals. Finally, the feasibility and reliability of this paper’s method are verified by computer simulation and field testing.

Exploring the Optimisation of Enterprise Performance Management in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

The impact of artificial intelligence on enterprises has gradually penetrated the human resource management of enterprises, and artificial intelligence is accelerating the excess of traditional human resources to predictive human resources, which also requires more talents in the field of artificial intelligence to devote themselves to enterprises. Through literature review and relevant cases, this paper finds that the current enterprise performance management has the problems of backward performance appraisal methods, lack of effective performance communication, and insufficient use of performance evaluation results. It is found that with the help of AI, enterprises can use big data and algorithms, enterprises can establish a more scientific performance management system, use AI to select appropriate performance management tools, and finally get effective performance appraisal results. Enterprises can use AI coaching and transparent performance feedback to promote performance communication and make performance results can play a role in promoting employee performance improvement. This paper concludes that the reasonable use of AI by enterprises can solve many existing problems of their performance management and can save time and labor costs for enterprises. Therefore, enterprises need to seize the opportunities brought by AI and pay attention to the research of AI technology to help improve performance management.

Telesimulation Training for Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery: An Air-Pilot Training Concept for Distance Training.

The aim of this study was to validate and assess the feasibility and impact of telesimulation training on surgical skills using a portable mitral valve telesimulator. A telesimulation course composed of 3 online modules was designed based on backwards chaining, preassessment and postassessment, performance feedback, hands-on training on a telesimulator, and the theoretical content. A fully 3-dimensional-printed and transportable telesimulator was developed and sent out to the participants with instruments that were needed. Feedback about the platform was obtained from participants to validate its value as a training tool. Theoretical and technical assessments were carried out before and after the course. Technical assessments were based on the accuracy and time taken to place sutures at the anterior and posterior mitral annulus. In total, 11 practicing cardiac surgeons from Oceania, Asia, Europe, and North America completed the course. Theoretical preassessment and postassessment showed that participants scored significantly higher on postassessment (mean 87.5% vs 68.1%, P < 0.004). The participant evaluation scores of the simulator as a tool for endoscopic mitral valve surgery was 4 to 5 out of 5. There was a significant improvement in the speed (median 14.5 vs 39.5 s, P < 0.005) and the accuracy to place sutures in the mitral valve annulus following course completion (P < 0.001). Here we validated the educational value of a novel telesimulation platform and validated the feasibility to teach participants at a distance the knowledge and skills for endoscopic mitral valve surgery. Future studies will be required to validate the improvement in skills during surgery.

Examining the impact of a 9-component bundle and the INICC multidimensional approach on catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates in 32 countries across Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) frequently occur in the intensive care unit (ICU) and are correlated with a significant burden. We implemented a strategy involving a 9-element bundle, education, surveillance of CAUTI rates and clinical outcomes, monitoring compliance with bundle components, feedback of CAUTI rates and performance feedback. This was executed in 299 ICUs across 32 low- and middle-income countries. The dependent variable was CAUTI per 1,000 UC days, assessed at baseline and throughout the intervention, in the second month, third month, 4 to 15 months, 16 to 27 months, and 28 to 39 months. Comparisons were made using a 2-sample t test, and the exposure-outcome relationship was explored using a generalized linear mixed model with a Poisson distribution. Over the course of 978,364 patient days, 150,258 patients utilized 652,053 UC-days. The rates of CAUTI per 1,000 UC dayswere measured. The rates decreased from 14.89 during the baseline period to 5.51 in the second month (risk ratio [RR]=0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.34-0.39; P<.001), 3.79 in the third month (RR=0.25; 95% CI=0.23-0.28; P<.001), 2.98 in the 4 to 15 months (RR=0.21; 95% CI=0.18-0.22; P<.001), 1.86 in the 16 to 27 months (RR=0.12; 95% CI=0.11-0.14; P<.001), and 1.71 in the 28 to 39 months (RR=0.11; 95% CI=0.09-0.13; P<.001). Our intervention, without substantial costs or additional staffing, achieved an 89% reduction in CAUTI incidence in ICUs across 32 countries, demonstrating feasibility in ICUs of low- and middle-income countries.

Real-Time Gated Proton Therapy: Commissioning and Clinical Workflow for the Hitachi System

PurposeTo describe the commissioning of real-time gated proton therapy (RGPT) and the establishment of an appropriate clinical workflow for the treatment of patients. Materials and MethodsHitachi PROBEAT provides pencil beam scanning proton therapy with an advanced onboard imaging system including real-time fluoroscopy. RGPT utilizes a matching score to provide instantaneous system performance feedback and quality control for patient safety. The CIRS Dynamic System combined with a Thorax Phantom or plastic water was utilized to mimic target motion. The OCTAVIUS was utilized to measure end-to-end dosimetric accuracy for a moving target across a range of simulated situations. Using this dosimetric data, the gating threshold was carefully evaluated and selected based on the intended treatment sites and planning techniques. An image-guidance workflow was developed and applied to patient treatment. ResultsDosimetric data demonstrated that proton plan delivery uncertainty could be within 2 mm for a moving target. The dose delivery to a moving target could pass 3%/3 mm gamma analysis following the commissioning process and application of the clinical workflow detailed in this manuscript. A clinical workflow was established and successfully applied to patient treatment utilizing RGPT. Prostate cancer patients with implanted platinum fiducial markers were treated with RGPT. Their target motion and gating signal data were available for intrafraction motion analysis. ConclusionReal-time gated proton therapy with the Hitachi System has been fully investigated and commissioned for clinical application. RGPT can provide advanced and reliable real-time image guidance to enhance patient safety and inform important treatment planning parameters, such as planning target volume margins and uncertainty parameters for robust plan optimization. RGPT improved the treatment of patients with prostate cancer in situations where intrafraction motion is more than defined tolerance.

Unpacking the effects of performance feedback on strategic change: the moderating role of industry conditions

PurposeThis paper aims to integrate insights from the behavioral theory of the firm and the dynamic capabilities perspective to explain how the historical and social attainment discrepancies motivate firms to change. Specifically, this paper proposes that a negative historical attainment discrepancy encourages the firm to engage in strategic change to solve its performance problems. In contrast, this paper advanced that a positive social attainment discrepancy motivates strategic change as a mechanism to bolster the firm’s position within the industry. Further, this paper integrated the moderating effects of industry dynamism and industry munificence.Design/methodology/approachThis paper tests hypotheses using panel data on 2,435 US public firms over the years from 1996 to 2018. This paper uses a fixed-effects regression model to empirically test these hypotheses.FindingsThis paper finds empirical support for the effects of both the negative historical attainment discrepancy and the positive social attainment discrepancy on the firm’s tendency to engage in strategic change. As for the hypothesized moderating effects, this paper finds that industry munificence accentuated the effects of both attainment discrepancies on the firm’s tendency to engage in strategic change. However, the results do not support the hypothesized moderating effect of industry dynamism on either of these attainment discrepancies.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the research on the separate effects of historical and social comparisons within the context of strategic change. Further, the paper bolsters our understanding of how performance feedback increases the firm’s tendency to change. Finally, the paper integrates theoretical views from the behavioral theory of the firm and the dynamic capabilities perspective on how socially high-performing firms may build and sustain their competitive advantage through organizational change.

Progress on Progress Test: International vs Local Experience

The paper discusses the implementation and evolution of progress testing as an assessment technique in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) at the College of Medicine, King Faisal University (KFU), in collaboration with the University of Groningen (UoG), Netherlands. Despite the successful introduction of a local progress test, the paper notes the reluctance of students in Arab culture to embrace this method due to concerns about its impact on their Grading Point Average (GPA). The research outlines a five-year experience with international high-stakes progress testing based on European universities and describes the establishment of a local progress test system. A cross-sectional study design was employed to analyze the passing rates of medical students from their first to fifth year, using data from 2018 to 2020. The study population included 1450 students with a gender distribution of 50/50. The results highlight two main achievements of the local progress test system. Firstly, the development of a blueprint based on block teaching contents and curriculum learning outcomes from year 1 to 5. This blueprint served as a foundation for the assessment. Secondly, the establishment of an individual performance feedback system, facilitated by a confidential online platform using students' academic numbers. In conclusion, the research suggests that progress testing can be successfully integrated into Arab culture, serving as a comprehensive assessment tool. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing progress testing as a key knowledge assessment method in the curriculum. The paper provides insights into the process, compares international and local experiences, and offers recommendations for further improvement of the local progress testing system.

MWCNT-reinforced silicone's dual response to human and mechanical motion: Exploring strain sensing behavior and practical applications

This study investigates the human motion sensing capabilities of silicone rubber (SR) composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). It focuses on assessing the responsiveness of the composites to both compressive and tensile deformations, replicating motions from machines to human movements. The analysis underscores the enhanced sensitivity of the 3 parts per hundred (phr) compressive sample, with gauge factors of 7.5 and 14.44 at distinct linear ranges under 30% strain. During forefinger and thumb pressing, the relative change in resistance was 160 and 350, respectively. Additionally, the study examines the 5 phr sample, revealing a significant 346.67% increase in relative resistance changes during the initial cyclic loading phase under 30% tensile deformation compared to the compression sample. The mechanical properties are also evaluated, showing the 5 phr compressive sample possessing a compressive modulus 180.09% higher than the modulus of the unfilled specimen (1.246 MPa), along with a hysteresis loss of 37.24 kJ. Furthermore, the tensile modulus of the 5 phr specimen exceeds that of the unfilled rubber by 218.84%. The developed composites hold promise for creating sensors capable of tracking athletes' movements in real time, offering immediate performance feedback and post-processing analysis. Moreover, these materials could contribute to the design of rehabilitation devices aimed at assisting individuals with hand injuries in regaining their agility and mobility.

An Assessment of Factors Affecting Employee Performance in Zambian Local Authorities: A Case Study of Lukulu Town Council

Organizational performance through employee performance has been a major global concern of companies and as such various organizations have shifted focus on engineering their employee management processes. The purpose of the study was to assess factors affecting employee performance in Zambian municipalities. The study was guided by three objectives which were; to establish effects of employee motivation on employee performance; to find out the effect of working conditions on employee performance, and to establish the effect of management style on employee performance. A mixed method approach was used with questionnaire and scheduled interviews as data collection tools. A census was used to derive the total sample size of 93 employees. Stratified sampling technique was utilized where 93 respondents were administered with questionnaires while 11 respondents were selected for qualitative data collection through interviews. The study utilized a descriptive approach to quantitative data analysis through the use of SPSS while qualitative data was themed for content analysis. The study response was 97%. The results revealed that majority of the employees at 83% stated that they did not receive enough morale to achieve their tasks which depicted lack of motivation through performance management strategies and feedback. Similarly, 70% stated that they lacked a proper environment, tools, personal protective clothing, and equipment to undertake their tasks effectively and efficiently. Further, 75% stated that there was no key consultation and feedback with regards to tasks and grievances, which are a critical component for motivation and effective performance of roles and responsibilities. Employees felt discriminated which is contrary to the aspirations of the Equity Theory. The study concluded that despite setting clear organizational goals, management lacked proper merit based performance management strategies interlaced with motivation techniques, the creation of a conducive working environment through provision of requisite tools for effective performance and proper establishment of both vertical and horizontal work relationships between superiors and subordinates for effective communication. Therefore, the study strongly recommends the establishment of reward based performance management systems with measurable key performance indicators to accord feedback to the employees along with the need to invest in employee health and safety through provision of well-ventilated office space, personal protective equipment and other working tools. There must be deliberately established systems of top-bottom communication to create a sense of belonging and promote inclusiveness in decision making for employees at production level through necessary key consultations and performance feedback.

Retreat in order to advance: Environmental performance below legality aspiration and corporate disclosure strategy

Environmental legality threats can drive corporate environmental disclosure. Based on performance feedback theory, this paper proposes that environmental legality is an aspiration of corporate environmental performance. Firms are more likely to change environmental disclosure strategies when environmental performance falls below legality aspiration. By analyzing the impression management of the environmental section in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, we find that firms decrease pictures and tables in environmental disclosure after they receive environmental administration penalties. This change is stimulated by firms' reputation-saving motivation. The finding is different from prior studies stressing positive strategies to respond to environmental legality challenges. We also find that firms adopt positive respondent behavior, such as green innovation, when they show environmental performance in a poor presentation.

Adherence to Emergency Department Referral Criteria in a Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine Center.

Background: The safety of direct-to-consumer telemedicine (TM) is closely related to red flag detection and correct referrals. The adherence to referral criteria from current guidelines is not well quantified. Objective: To analyze the emergency department (ED) referral rate and adherence to referral guidelines in TM encounters of acutely ill patients calling a center that adopts stewardship protocols. Methods: This is a retrospective observational unicentric study, between March 2020 and March 2022, with patients who spontaneously sought direct-to-consumer urgent virtual medical assistance. A video-based teleconsultation was provided immediately after connection. Physicians managed situations according to their clinical judgment. Current guidelines, containing specific guidance for referral if red flags were identified, were available for consultation. Physicians' semiannual performance feedback was carried out. We analyzed the patterns for referral to immediate face-to-face medical evaluation and the agreement degree with the institutional guidelines. Results: A total of 232,197 patients were available, and 14,051 (6.05%) patients were referred to ED. A total of 8,829 (68.4%) referrals were based in specific guidelines according to the International Classification of Diseases hypothesis, and 8,708 (98.6%) were justified according to guidelines. Diarrhea had the highest guidelines' adherence to referral (97.6%), followed by COVID-19 (90%), headache (84.2%), and conjunctivitis (78.8%). Policies did not support 5,222 (31.6%) referrals, though 5,100 (97.6%) of these were justified according to the doctor's clinical judgment. Conclusion: TM doctors' assessment of acutely ill patients has high rates of adherence to guidelines regarding referral. Stewardship protocol adoption provides high rates of red flag description, even in the referral of nonpolicy diseases.

Environmental Social Responsibility, Local Environmental Protection Strategy, and Corporate Financial Performance – Empirical Evidence from Heavy Pollution Industry

Abstract This article empirically examines the “responsibility-performance” interaction in the process of environmental social responsibility decision-making by enterprises, using the listed companies in the heavy pollution industry as the research sample. We also use the evolutionary game theory to construct a system dynamics model for simulation analysis to explore the evolutionary qualities of the environmental responsibility behavior of heavily polluting enterprises and its relationship with financial performance under the influence of local government environmental regulation. It finds that for environmental social responsibility, a company's expected performance surplus is more likely to promote positive interaction between responsibility and performance than a gap; for regions with relatively negative environmental strategies, environmental social responsibility provides more efficient reputation transformation and motivates companies to invest in it; more competitive industries and enterprises with forward-looking environmental strategies tend to put performance feedback into the undertaking of environmental social responsibility. Therefore, the government and regulatory authorities should urge heavy polluting enterprises to implement environmental responsibility, so that they can fully realize that emission reduction and growth can be achieved at the same time and promote the financial performance of enterprises and environmental responsibility while forming a win–win situation at the ecological level and corporate social level.

Corporate social performance feedback and corporate social responsibility decoupling in China: The salience of legitimacy and/or efficiency

AbstractDespite its detrimental effects, corporate social responsibility (CSR) decoupling has been underexamined in the literature. This research explores why and how companies engage in CSR decoupling from the perspective of behavioral theory of social performance. We contend that legitimacy threats drive firms with corporate social performance (CSP) below stakeholder expectations toward substantive CSR initiatives, which reduces CSR decoupling. In contrast, efficiency deficit drives firms with CSP above stakeholder expectations toward symbolic CSR initiatives, increasing CSR decoupling. Building upon literature on issue salience, these relationships are moderated by industry culpability and earnings pressure. A longitudinal analysis was conducted on Heckman two‐stage estimation using a sample of 5166 Chinese publicly listed firms from 2010 to 2019, which supports our hypotheses. Additionally, the findings remain robust after rigorous tests. This study contributes to the CSR literature by shedding light on the impact of CSP feedback on CSR decoupling and enriches the behavioral theory of social performance by incorporating the perspective on CSP feedback through issue salience.