Research on the Impact of Corporate Business Strategy Differences on ESG Performance Levels

Wuyi Shen

doi:10.54254/2754-1169/2025.CAU28278

Advances in Economics, Management and Political SciencesOpen access

Research on the Impact of Corporate Business Strategy Differences on ESG Performance Levels

Research Article

Open Access

Research on the Impact of Corporate Business Strategy Differences on ESG Performance Levels

Wuyi Shen ^1*

¹ Sun Yueqi Honors College of China University of Mining and Technology

^*Corresponding author: 2543193408@qq.com

Published on 22 October 2025

AEMPS Vol.231

ISSN (Print): 2754-1177

ISSN (Online): 2754-1169

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-463-2

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-464-9

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Abstract

In the context of ESG concepts increasingly becoming key indicators for measuring corporate sustainability, this study aims to explore how endogenous business strategy differences within enterprises affect their ESG performance levels. The study takes A-share listed companies in China from 2016 to 2023 as samples and uses quantitative empirical methods to construct panel data models for analysis. The main findings suggest that the strategic choices of companies systematically influence their ESG paths. Specifically, companies that adopt an explorer strategy and a differentiation strategy have significantly better overall ESG performance; Companies that adopt defensive and cost leadership strategies have relatively poor ESG performance. Further mechanism analysis reveals that corporate innovation plays a crucial mediating role between strategy and ESG performance. Furthermore, contextual factors such as the level of digital transformation and the regional institutional environment can significantly moderate the relationship, amplifying the positive impact of innovation-driven strategies on ESG performance.

Keywords:

ESG Business Strategy, Sustainable Development, Enterprise Innovation, Digital Transformation, Institutional Environment

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References

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