Do board characteristics impact greenwashing? Moderating role of CSR committee

Abstract

The study examines the role of board characteristics (board gender diversity, independence, and foreign-experienced directors) on greenwashing with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee as moderator. The study employed data for the period 2014–2023 drawn from CSMAR and infinitive database. Regression analysis was performed and the results revealed that board gender diversity, independence, and foreign-experienced directors negatively influence greenwashing among Chinese listed firms. Additionally, the CSR committee negatively moderates the board characteristics–greenwashing relationship. The study offers important implications for practitioners and regulators.

Keywords

• Greenwashing
• Gender diversity
• Board independence
• Foreign experience
• CSR committee