The mediating effect of financial reporting quality on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate green innovation

Purpose This study aimed to examine the mediating role of corporate financial reporting quality in the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on corporate green innovation, based on the integration of stakeholder theory, opportunity cost theory, innovation diffusion theory and signaling theory. Design/methodology/approach A deductive quantitative approach was used as the research methodology. Following a survey design, questionnaire responses were collected from a purposively chosen sample of 308 employees in China. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, performed with SmartPLS4.0 software. Findings The findings show that CSR promotes green innovation, and that financial reporting quality mediates this relationship. It was further revealed that compared to employees’ CSR perception, consumers’ perception of firms’ CSR performance has a stronger positive effect on firms’ corporate financial reporting quality and green innovation. These findings provide insights into the impact of both internal and external CSR performance on corporate green innovation. Research limitations/implications This study only sampled Chinese employees, meaning that the findings may not be representative of other regions. Also, as this study employed only the questionnaire instrument, future research may collect data through multiple sources, including financial reports, surveys and interviews, to better understand and estimate variations in the positive impact of CSR on green innovation. Originality/value This study establishes the mediating role of corporate financial reporting quality in linking CSR to corporate green innovation. It further examines green innovation in multiple dimensions (i.e. product, process, organizational), while also measuring CSR in dual perspectives, namely internal (employee awareness) and external (consumer awareness). The results of this study offer guidance to firms in improving their green innovation in various aspects, thus promoting sustainability and environmental friendliness in corporate development.