Digitalization transformation and ESG performance: Evidence from China

Abstract The mechanisms underlying the relationship between firms' digitalization transformation and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) are underexplored. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2011 to 2020, this research explores the mechanisms whereby digitalization affects firms' ESG performance. We found: (i) digitalization transformation can effectively promote firms' ESG performance; (ii) digital transformation promotes firms' ESG performance by enhancing internal control and green innovation; and (iii) the positive effects between digital transformation and ESG performance are more pronounced in non‐state‐owned‐enterprises (non‐SOEs) and firms of the manufacturing industry, and hi‐tech…