Table A1

Variable definition

VariableDefinitionSource
Dependent variables
ESG_SCOREitNatural log of ESG score after adding 1, with ESG score being an overall company score based on the self-reported information in the environmental, social and corporate governance pillarsLondon Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Refinitiv Workspace
ESG_COMBitNatural log of ESG combined score after adding 1, with the combined score being the ESG score with an ESG Controversies overlayLSEG Refinitiv Workspace
ESG_AVEitNatural log of the unweighted average of environmental, governance and social pillar scores after adding 1. The environmental pillar measures a company’s impact on living and non-living natural systems, including the air, land and water, as well as complete ecosystems. The corporate governance pillar measures a company’s systems and processes, which ensure that its board members and executives act in the best interests of its long-term shareholders. The social pillar measures a company’s capacity to generate trust and loyalty with its workforce, customers and society, through its use of best management practicesLSEG Refinitiv Workspace
Independent/control variables
AC_INDitPercentage of independent board members on the audit committee as stipulated by the companyLSEG Refinitiv Workspace
GENDitCEODitPercentage of females on the board. If the firm’s chairperson is also the CEO, score = 1, otherwise score 0LSEG Refinitiv Workspace LSEG Refinitiv Workspace
POLitIf firm has policy on board size, score = 1, otherwise 0LSEG Refinitiv Workspace
TAitNatural of total assets after adding 1, which represents the total assets reported by a company. In case the total assets is not reported, it will be the sum of the following items: total current assets, total non-current assetsLSEG Refinitiv Workspace
CEOMitIf CEO of firm is a board member, score = 1, otherwise 0LSEG Refinitiv Workspace
BTENitThe average number of years each board member has been on the boardLSEG Refinitiv Workspace
ATENitThe number of years current auditor is serving the organizationLSEG Refinitiv Workspace
Instrumental variables
AC_MGTitIf the company reports that all audit committee members are non-executives, score = 1, otherwise 0LSEG Refinitiv Workspace
Source(s): Authors’ own work

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal