Benchmarking of corporate social responsibility in China

This study explores the underexplored application of benchmarking in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among Chinese A-listed companies from 2010 to 2020. The results reveal a positive relationship between CSR performance and local best practices, indicating benchmarking’s influence on CSR activities. Notably, benefits like increased market value, robust revenue, and heightened analyst attention signify positive market signals, motivating companies to enhance their CSR performance. The impacts on CSR performance varies significantly based on leader companies’ CSR scores, ages, and follower companies’ ownership properties, sizes, and locations. Our findings offer valuable insights into CSR motivations and the performance effects of best practices.