CEO power, board features and ESG performance: An extensive novel moderation analysis

Abstract The ESG paradigm has exerted increasing pressure on firms to adopt environment‐friendly and socially responsible policies. Interestingly, less attention has been paid to the drivers of ESG performance. Therefore, we address this gap by analyzing a sample of Chinese non‐financial firms. First, we examine if CEO power dimensions influence ESG performance. Second, we investigate if board gender diversity (BGD) influences the association between CEO power and ESG performance. Third, we explore if board independence and board gender diversity complement each other by influencing the relationship between CEO power and ESG performance. The study has used a rigorous methodology comprising five statistical estimation techniques and several variable measurements. In addition, we extensively analyze the two‐way and three‐way interactions for moderation analysis. Our unique results indicate that CEO structural and duality powers diminish ESG performance while CEO expert and ownership powers enhance ESG performance. Further, we document that BGD has a positive influence on the association between CEO power and ESG performance. The results also reveal that BGD and BI favorably complement each other by influencing the relationship between CEO power and ESG performance. The further analysis results indicate that an adequate number (or critical mass) of female directors are required on the board along with CEO power to improve ESG performance. We also find that CEO tenure and ownership have an inverted U‐shaped relationship with ESG performance.