Digital Technology for Good: Path and Influence—Based on the Study of ESG Performance of Listed Companies in China

Abstract

The relationship between digital technology and enterprise management is becoming increasingly close. Whether the application of new digital technology can guide enterprises and even the social economy to good governance is an urgent problem to be solved. This paper selects the data of listed companies from 2011 to 2020 as a sample to empirically test the impact of digital transformation on ESG performance. The methodology is as follows: (1) Using the least squares method to do the main regression test. (2) Using Heckman’s two-step method, Lag 1 and 2, instrumental variable method: two-stage regression, PSM-OLS and PSM-DID estimation, robust analysis to do endogenous treatment to ensure that the main regression test is persuasive. (3) Using mediating effect to test the mechanism of action. (4) Using the least squares method for further research. The results show that: (1) Digital transformation is conducive to ESG performance. (2) In industries with high monopolies, digital transformation is not conducive to ESG performance. (3) Further analysis shows that due to the influence of peer effect, the concept of technological goodness is transmitted through network relationships to support other enterprises in the market. This study provides a new perspective for studying the influencing factors of enterprise ESG performance and also provides a theoretical reference for enterprises to use digital technology to achieve good governance. The scope of our research, the purpose of which is to help enterprises manipulate technology better, focuses on the effect on enterprises brought by digital technology.