The Impact of ESG Performance on Organizational Resilience: Evidence From China

ABSTRACT In the context of VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous), organizational resilience has become increasingly important for the long‐term development of enterprises. Using data from Chinese A‐share listed enterprises between 2009 and 2022, this study examines the impact of ESG performance on organizational resilience and explores the underlying mechanisms. The results show that ESG performance has a significant positive impact on organizational resilience, and ESG primarily transmits its impact by improving investment efficiency and analyst attention, and reducing the cost of debt financing. Further analysis indicates that enterprise digitization strengthens the connection between ESG and organizational resilience. The promoting effect of ESG is more pronounced in non‐Western regions of China and in enterprises not audited by the Big Four. The existing literature exhibits certain research gaps in exploring the non‐economic effects of ESG performance. This study fills these gaps by expanding the influence mechanisms based on perspectives such as “resource‐relationship‐governance”. Our conclusions provide empirical evidence for enhancing organizational resilience and promoting the sustainable development of enterprises and society.