ESG 활동이 한국기업의 재무성과에 미치는 영향: B2C 및 B2B 기업유형에 따른 조절효과

Abstract

The significance of ESG activities as a management strategy for corporate sustainability has been widely recognized. However, previous studies have produced conflicting results regarding the relationship between ESG activities and financial performance. This study specifically examines the impact of ESG activities on the financial performance of Korean firms, taking into account the moderating effect of company type (B2C or B2B). The results, derived from panel data analysis, reveal the following key findings: 1) ESG scores have a significantly positive effect on stock price returns, 2) positive governance activities positively influence both stock price returns and profitability (ROA), and 3) company type exerts a significant moderating effect on ROA. In the case of B2C companies, compared to B2B companies, there exists a positive moderating effect on the relationship between environmental activities and ROA, while a negative moderating effect is observed between social and governance activities and ROA. This implies that consumer-focused B2C companies derive benefits from adopting eco-friendly practices, whereas business-focused B2B companies benefit from implementing social and governance practices to manage supply risks.