Corporate environmentalism and value creation: Investigating the role of shared independent directors in green technology adoption and financial performance

Abstract Using social network theory and resource dependence theory, this study undercovers whether independent directors' interlocks contribute directly to the corporate financial performance of Chinese firms or indirectly through green technology innovation. Furthermore, we scrutinize how the environmental protection management system affects the path between independent directors' interlocks and green technology innovation. Using a sample of 4902 listed firms in China over the period of 2010–2022, the results indicate that firms possess interlocks through their independent directors play a crucial role in fostering performance and developing low‐carbon technologies. With an environmental protection management system, the impact of the independent directors' interlocks on corporate green technology innovation is stronger, indicating the significant role of corporate internal environmental context. This study offers practical implications for firms and policymakers by demonstrating how independent director interlocks can simultaneously advance corporate and national economic and environmental objectives.