Work

Research on the Impact of Corporate ESG Greenwashing on Sustainable Development Performance: Evidence from China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Against the backdrop of China’s vigorous promotion of green and low-carbon development, this study empirically examines the impact of ESG greenwashing on corporate financial sustainable development performance, using a sample of Chinese A-share-listed companies from 2018 to 2023. Empirical results indicate that ESG greenwashing significantly undermines corporate financial sustainable development performance. Furthermore, accounting conservatism mediates the relationship between ESG greenwashing and corporate financial sustainable development performance, whereas negative external media coverage moderates it. This research provides robust theoretical and empirical support for standardizing corporate ESG practices and advancing the achievement of green sustainable development objectives.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18042139

Authors: Yifan Wang, Yujie Li, Wei Sun, Jun Yang

Institutions: Dalian Maritime University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Northeastern University

Language: English

Topic: Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896