The Impact of Female Director Background on the ESG Performance of Chinese Technology Firms: A Moderating Effect Based on Risk Appetite

As global focus persists on gender variety and corporate social responsibility, the participation and influence of women in corporate governance, particularly their effect on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of corporations, have garnered extensive scrutiny. Given the significant differences between China and the West in terms of institutions and culture, it is highly valuable to explore the unique relationship between gender diversity and ESG performance in the Chinese context, especially in the high-risk and fast-growing technology industry. This study explores the impact of female director background on ESG performance and the moderating effect of risk appetite. The findings suggest that the proportion of female directors has a significant positive impact on the ESG performance of Chinese technology companies. Furthermore, the corporate risk appetite has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between the proportion of female directors and ESG performance. Female directors with higher education levels, financial professional background, and long-term tenure can more effectively promote the company’s ESG performance. This study enhances the theoretical framework of corporate governance and ESG studies while also offering innovative guidance for firms to enhance their ESG scores and develop effective risk management strategies.