The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Implementation on Enterprises’ Financial Performance—Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies

Abstract

Along with the constant changes in the current business environment, more and more enterprises have recognised the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Considering that profit maximisation is the eternal pursuit of enterprises and that some studies have already linked the financial performance of enterprises and their implementation of social responsibility together, this study will try to further explore the impact of social responsibility initiatives on enterprises’ financial performance within the context of emerging economy. Given that enterprises’ sustainable development is closely related to their implementation of CSR, an improvement in their corresponding financial performance due to effective social responsibility practices can incentivise enterprises to take part in CSR initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainable development of society and the environment. Through using the panel data from Chinese Listed Companies, this research finds that responsibility’s implementation is positively related with enterprises’ financial performance, and that relationship is non-linear. Additionally, as a critical regulatory institution, government fails to function as a mediator within the above-mentioned relationship based on the robust empirical test. At the same time, the fulfilment of CSR can not be achieved at the expense of profit maximisation. The non-linear relationship between CSR and enterprises’ financial performance (CFP) demonstrated in this research suggests that the financial performance of a firm can be optimised when it moderately fulfils its social responsibility. This finding offers a potential optimal strategy for the sustainable development of the firm as well as society. Also, the role of government deserves further exploration and utilisation, considering its significant linkages with enterprises and social development.