The moderating effect of the CSR committee on the relationship between CSR performance and financial performance: empirical evidence from European firms

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The present work is aimed to address the subject of CSR practice impact on corporate financial performance (measured via ROE), along with each of the CSR dimensions (social and environmental) respective effect, examined through the moderating effect of CSR committee, regarding a sample involving 473 European companies, observed over the time period ranging from 2015 to 2021. To test the moderating effect of the CSR committee and its respective characteristics on the relationship between CSR performance and financial performance of companies involving a CSR committee, we considered applying a panel-data based linear regression, administered through implementation of the Thomson Reuters ASSET4 database. Our findings show that CSR practices have a sustained positive and significant impact on the financial performance of companies. However, when examining the moderating effect, certain characteristics appear to be considered key factors for the proper functioning of the CSR committee, thereby improving the firm’s financial performance. The findings of this study provide multiple contributions for policymakers to improve the valuation of companies and strengthen the mechanisms for ensuring the financial performance of companies and their sustainability.