Corporate Governance Characteristics and Environmental Sustainability Affect the Business Performance among Listed Saudi Company

This study examines how committees’ characteristics affect business performance (BuPE) in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, this study investigates the connection between BuPE and Environmental Sustainability (ESG), as determined by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Design/methodology/approach: Econometric methods, such as feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) regression, and random effects, ordinary least squares (OLS), are applied to investigate the connection between the independent and dependent variables, utilizing a sample of 131 Saudi listed firms spanning from 2015 to 2021. Findings: Regression analysis shows that the size and independence of audit committees have a positive impact on BuPE, while audit committee meetings are negatively linked to BuPE. The outcomes also indicate that audit committee commitment was not affected by BuPE. Moreover, ESG has a positive and significant relationship with BuPE. On the same path, the results of the additional analysis confirm the main results. Practical implications: The findings of this study may serve as a valuable basis for regulatory actions, particularly with respect to audit committees and CSR. These findings have far-reaching implications for regulators and investors, as they offer valuable insights into the effects of CSR and audit committee features on BuPE. Originality/value: The current research demonstrates that audit committees and CSR have distinct implications for firms’ BuPE, as evidenced by empirical data. The findings suggest that policymakers and researchers should not view CSR as a homogenous concept, as it has varying effects on firms’ BuPE.