Can Confucianism improve ESG performance?

While existing literature has demonstrated the significant impact of culture on firm decision-making, it remains unclear whether and how cultural factors influence a firm's ESG performance. In this study, we utilize Confucianism as a cultural proxy in the context of China to investigate its effects on ESG performance. We find that Confucianism plays a pivotal role in enhancing ESG performance, demonstrating a consistently positive influence across all three dimensions of ESG. This research provides compelling evidence that Confucianism serves as a valuable intellectual framework that can bolster efforts towards sustainable development.