Role of Board Composition Index in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Disclosure: Evidence From United States

Abstract

Corporate directors play a crucial role in meeting the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting obligation. Thus, how to promote CSR practices through MNCs has attracted the attention of scholars. This study aims to investigate the impact of the board composition index on CSR disclosure in the context of the United States. In addition, the study examines whether board characteristics (board size, board diligence, board duality and board independence) impact CSR disclosure. Panel data for S&P 1500 index firms were collected from the data stream portal. The current study employed a sample of 286 US firms from 2010 to 2020. To achieve the research objectives, the current study develops an index score very first time for board composition. A panel regression model with fixed and random effects was employed to estimate the proposed hypotheses. In addition, the problem of endogeneity was resolved through the dynamic GMM model. The results of the study revealed that the board composition index has a significant impact on the disclosure of CSR information. Moreover, higher board diligence and independence in US corporates enhance CSR disclosure. However, board duality and the size of the board room negatively and significantly impact CSR. US policymakers and legislators make reforms in composition and structure to build stakeholders’ interest. In addition, no study combined such corporate board variables to address CSR in developed countries. The findings of the study are consistent with both institutional and stakeholder theory.