When politics meets sustainability: the effect of independent directors' political connections on corporate sustainability disclosure in China
ISSN: 0307-4358
Article publication date: 25 September 2023
Issue publication date: 4 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the influence of political connections on sustainability disclosure in the context of China's Regulation 18.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a quasi-experimental approach, utilizing difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis, dynamic DiD and propensity score matching to analyze the effects of politically connected independent directors on sustainability disclosure following the implementation of Regulation 18.
Findings
Companies with politically connected independent directors show an improvement in sustainability disclosures after Regulation 18. This effect is stronger for firms facing high political pressure or lacking alternative political power. Additionally, the increase in value from sustainability disclosures compensates for the loss of politically connected independent directors, indicating a positive value impact of sustainability disclosures.
Originality/value
This study provides novel insights into the corporate disclosure policy in China by investigating the impact of politically connected directors on sustainability disclosure. Additionally, it sheds light on the limitations of political power and its substitution effects within companies.
Keywords
Citation
Ting, H.-I. and Lee, Y.-C. (2024), "When politics meets sustainability: the effect of independent directors' political connections on corporate sustainability disclosure in China", Managerial Finance, Vol. 50 No. 1, pp. 28-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/MF-04-2023-0243
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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