Title: The moderating role of board gender diversity in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance: evidence from France

Authors: Karima Lajnef; Sahar Turki; Siwar Ellouz

Addresses: High Business School of Sfax (ESCS), Sfax University, Airport Road Km 4 Sfax 3018, Tunisia ' High Business School of Sfax (ESCS), Sfax University, Airport Road Km 4 Sfax 3018, Tunisia ' High Business School of Sfax (ESCS), Sfax University, Airport Road Km 4 Sfax 3018, Tunisia

Abstract: This study examines the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and governance mechanisms on financial performance (FP) and investigates how board gender diversity (BGD) moderates the relationship between FP and CSR. The study analyses data from French companies listed on the SBF 120 index between 2008 and 2020. The findings suggest that CSR performance and BGD have a positive impact on FP. Additionally, the study reveals a moderation of BGD in the relationship between CSR and FP. The research adds to our theoretical and empirical understanding of how BGD relates to CSR and FP. The results highlight the importance of considering the potential impact of CSR policy, governance mechanisms, and BGD on FP. Therefore, stakeholders should be more aware of these factors to promote better financial outcomes.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; financial performance; FP; board gender diversity; BGD; governance mechanisms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSE.2025.142943

International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 2025 Vol.17 No.1, pp.75 - 102

Received: 06 Apr 2023
Accepted: 10 Aug 2023
Published online: 02 Dec 2024 *

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