The role of Cross-Border alliances in corporate social responsibility: International evidence

Abstract

We examine how forming cross-border alliances with US firms influences the corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of their foreign partner firms. Analyzing a sample across 39 countries between 2002 and 2018, we find that these foreign firms experience higher future CSR performance, with a notable 6.46% increase compared with those without such alliances. Moreover, this effect is stronger in foreign firms from countries with weaker governance institutions, lower social norms, and worse economic conditions. Also, foreign firms with lower governance quality, higher market competition, and weaker innovation capacity show a pronounced improvement in CSR performance after alliances. The improved CSR performance also leads to higher firm value and better earnings quality in these foreign firms. Overall, we highlight the role of cross-border alliances in facilitating the attainment of broader economic and sustainable governance objectives.