THE EFFECT OF ESG SUSTAINABILITY ON FIRM PERFORMANCE: A VIEW UNDER SIZE AND AGE ON BIST BANK INDEX FIRMS

Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores and firm performance and whether firm size and age moderating role in this relationship. The period of the study was determined as 2013-2021 and the sample is comprised of banks listed in the BIST Bank Index. The panel data analysis found a statistically significant and positive correlation between ESG scores and firm performance and a statistically significant and negative correlation between firm age and size and firm performance. In addition, while it was confirmed that firm age has a statistically significant and positive moderating effect in the relationship between ESG scores and firm performance, it was found that firm size does not have a significant moderating effect. Therefore, it is safe to say for the relevant period and sample that increased efforts of firms in environment, social responsibility, and proper governance have a positive influence on financial performance.