Corporate Environmental Attention and Corporate Greenwashing Behavior: Firm-Level Evidence from China

To analyze the effect of corporate environmental attention on corporate greenwashing behavior and its underlying mechanisms, this study conducts an empirical investigation using data from Chinese A-share listed firms spanning from 2012 to 2022. The findings reveal that heightened corporate environmental attention significantly curbs corporate greenwashing behavior. Particularly, this effect is more evident in firms with violations, non-heavy pollution firms, or non-high-tech firms. Mechanistic tests highlight that, from the perspective of internal corporate channels, heightened corporate environmental attention primarily suppresses greenwashing behavior by promoting green innovation and reducing information asymmetry. From the perspective of external corporate channels, it mainly curbs greenwashing behavior by increasing scrutiny from investors and the media. Additionally, the degree of corporate violations functions as an enhancing moderator between corporate environmental attention and corporate greenwashing behavior. Based on the findings obtained, this paper makes specific recommendations for business managers and policymakers. It also provides a theoretical reference for firms aiming to achieve high-quality green transformation and enhance green governance.