Digital Transformation and Firm Environmental Performance: Does Managerial Overseas Experience Matter?
Abstract
Digital transformation and firm environmental performance have emerged as central topics in the field of corporate sustainability. However, few publications have explored how managerial characteristics influence this relationship. This paper aims to address this gap by examining the impact of digital transformation on firm environmental performance, with a particular focus on the moderating role of managerial overseas experience. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2011 to 2021, we employ robust econometric models to analyse the effects and variations across firms. Our findings reveal that digital transformation significantly enhances firm environmental performance. This positive impact is more pronounced in non-high-pollution firms compared to high-pollution firms. Furthermore, we identify managerial overseas experience as a critical moderating factor, strengthening the positive relationship between digital transformation and firm
environmental performance. This study provides valuable insights for firms pursuing sustainable development strategies through digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of managerial overseas experience in achieving improved environmental outcomes.
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