Does firm age moderate the relationship between board attributes and corporate social responsibility? Evidence from Palestine

Purpose This study aims to examine whether firm age moderates the relationship between board attributes and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Board attributes include board size, gender diversity and frequency of board meetings. Design/methodology/approach This study uses panel data from 41 listed companies in Palestine from 2017 to 2022. It uses the feasible generalized least squares regression analysis for the panel data, with two models, one without the moderating variable and the other with introducing the moderating variable. Three regressions represent the three different measurements for gender diversity in models. Findings This study revealed that firm age moderates the relationship between most board attributes and CSR. Specifically, it found that firm age moderates and positively strengthens the relationship between women’s representation on the board and CSR. However, it showed that firm age moderates and weakens the relationship between board size and CSR. It was also found that firm age moderates the relationship between the number of board meetings and CSR, which also weakens the relationship in this case. Practical implications This study offers practical implications for the board of directors of listed companies in Palestine and regulators such as the Palestine Monetary Authority and the Palestine Capital Market Authority. It suggests strategies to enhance the efficiency of corporate governance initiatives, thereby improving the quantity and quality of CSR. Future studies may explore the impact of board interlocking and ownership structure on CSR. Social implications The results highlight the critical role played by the board’s composition in improving the CSR strategies in firms and making them more effective. When companies diversify their boards in terms of gender, size and meeting frequency, they can enhance their CSR performance. In addition, older firms seem to be more established in leveraging their governance instruments effectively, strengthening their relationships with their stakeholders and aligning with their CSR goals. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study, the first of its kind in Palestine and one of the very few in the Middle East and North Africa and Arab regions, examines how firm age moderates the effect of board attributes on CSR in listed companies. It significantly enriches the literature by addressing a gap in understanding the relationship between these variables.