Corporate social responsibility disclosure: Mediating effects of the economic dimension on firm performance

Abstract

This research aims to determine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on the firm performance (FP) of Spanish-listed companies considering the mediation produced by the economic dimension. Using their sustainability reports, partial least squares structural equation modeling is employed for a content analysis. This study provides evidence on the mediating role of the disclosure of economic dimension practices and the intensity shown in the relationships between social and environmental dimensions and FP, allowing for a deeper understanding of the relationships between the various CSR dimensions. Findings show that the disclosure of social and environmental actions, aligned with appropriate standards in the economic dimension, can lead to an improvement in the FP of the company.