Does Gender Inclusivity Strengthen the ESG-Financial Performance Nexus? Evidence from Indonesian Public Companies

Authors

  • Cynthia Stephani Pardosi Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia
  • Riki Martusa Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia
  • Meythi Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia
  • Rapina Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

10.33395/owner.v10i1.2997

Abstract

The foundation for this study is provided by the growing number of organizations using ESG, the emphasis on sustainability, and the gender inclusivity in governance issue. Using Gender Inclusivity in Governance (GIG) as a moderating variable, this study investigates the relationship between firm financial performance and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance scores. This study population consists of 948 businesses listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) between 2019 and 2023, based on data from Refinitiv Eikon.  Purposive sampling was used to pick the sample, and 44 companies that revealed their ESG scores during that time were selected. According to the study's use of Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA), there is a favorable correlation between ESG scores and corporate financial performance. The association between ESG scores and financial performance, however, is not significantly moderated by the Gender Inclusivity in Governance (GIG). Given that other businesses are seen to be able to improve their financial performance and investor reputation, these findings can be used as guideline for stakeholders to prioritize ESG. The findings of this study will serve as a foundation for further research into additional factors that affect the financial performance of firms and their ESG rankings. This study contributes to ESG literature in emerging markets by providing empirical evidence that gender inclusivity in governance does not necessarily strengthen the ESG–financial performance relationship in Indonesia, highlighting the presence of symbolic governance practices.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

        Plum-X Analityc

Author Biography

Riki Martusa, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia

Accounting

References

Adeneye, Y., & Kammoun, I. (2022). Real Earnings Management And Capital Structure: Does Environmental, Social And Governance (ESG) Performance Matter? Cogent Business And Management, 9(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2022.2130134

Ahmad, N., Mobarek, A., & Roni, N. N. (2021). Revisiting The Impact Of ESG On Financial Performance Of FTSE350 UK Firms: Static And Dynamic Panel Data Analysis. Cogent Business And Management, 8(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2021.1900500

Alexander, F. M., Sasmitapura, A., Michael, & Meythi, M. (2023). Faktor Finansial dan Nilai Perusahaan Ritel Indonesia. Jurnal Akuntansi Kontemporer (JAKO), 15(3), 155–169. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.33508/jako.v15i3.4741

Alsayegh, M. F., Rahman, R. A., & Homayoun, S. (2020). Corporate Economic, Environmental, And Social Sustainability Performance Transformation Through ESG Disclosure. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(9), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093910

Ang, G., Guo, Z., & Lim, E. P. (2023). On Predicting ESG Ratings Using Dynamic Company Networks. ACM Transactions On Management Information Systems, 14(3), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1145/3607874

Arayssi, M., Jizi, M., & Tabaja, H. H. (2020). The Impact of Board Composition On The Level Of ESG Disclosures In GCC Countries. Sustainability Accounting, Management And Policy Journal, 11(1), 137–161. https://doi.org/10.1108/SAMPJ-05-2018-0136

Arhinful, R., & Radmehr, M. (2023). The Effect of Financial Leverage On Financial Performance: Evidence From Non-Financial Institutions Listed On The Tokyo Stock Market. Journal Of Capital Markets Studies, 7(1), 53–71. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCMS-10-2022-0038

Arvanitis, S. E., Varouchas, E. G., & Agiomirgianakis, G. M. (2022). Does Board Gender Diversity Really Improve Firm Performance? Evidence From Greek Listed Firms. Journal Of Risk And Financial Management, 15(7), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15070306

Asher, S., Meythi, M., Martusa, R., & Rapina, R. (2025). The Impact of Cost Leadership on Financial Distress Mediated Environmental, Social, and Governance. Jurnal Akuntansi Dan Keuangan Indonesia, 22(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.7454/jaki.v22i1.1939

Aydo?mu?, M., Gülay, G., & Ergun, K. (2022). Impact Of ESG Performance On Firm Value And Profitability. Borsa Istanbul Review, 22(1), 119–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bir.2022.11.006

Bai, G., Rajgopal, S., Srivastava, A., & Zhao, R. (2022). Profitability And Risk-Return Comparison Across Health Care Industries, Evidence From Publicly Traded Companies 2010–2019. PLOS ONE, 17(11), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0275245

Batrancea, L. M., Nichita, A., & Cocis, A. D. (2022). Financial Performance And Sustainable Corporate Reputation: Empirical Evidence From The Airline Business. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(20), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013567

Blau, Peter. M. (1997). Inequality And Heterogeneity: A Primitive Theory Of Social Structure. Oxford University Press, 58(2), 677–683. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2307/2577612

Bonetti, L., Lai, A., & Stacchezzini, R. (2023). Stakeholder Engagement In The Public Utility Sector: Evidence From Italian ESG Reports. Utilities Policy, 84(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2023.101649

Boussenna, H., & Kimouche, B. (2024). Impact Of Governance Mechanisms On Agency Costs In CAC 40 Listed Firms: An Empirical Analysis (2005-2023). Journal Of Corporate Governance, Insurance, And Risk Management, 11(1), 58–74. https://doi.org/10.56578/jcgirm110104

Candra, A. R., Tanison, N., Martusa, R., & Meythi, M. (2024). Disclosing Corporate Social Responsibility Affects Company Value: Profitability as Moderating Variable. JASa (Jurnal Akuntansi, Audit Dan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi), 8(1), 183–194. https://doi.org/10.36555/jasa.v8i1.2471

Chatjuthamard, P., Jiraporn, P., & Lee, S. M. (2021). Does Board Gender Diversity Weaken Or Strengthen Executive Risk-Taking Incentives? PLoS ONE, 16(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258163

Chen, Song, Y., & Gao, P. (2023). Environmental, Social, And Governance (ESG) Performance And Financial Outcomes: Analyzing The Impact Of ESG On Financial Performance. Journal Of Environmental Management, 345(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118829

Chen, & Xie, G. (2022). ESG Disclosure And Financial Performance: Moderating Role Of ESG Investors. International Review Of Financial Analysis, 83(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IRFA.2022.102291

Chen, Z., & Xie, G. (2022). ESG Disclosure And Financial Performance: Moderating Role Of ESG Investors. International Review Of Financial Analysis, 83(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IRFA.2022.102291

Conelly, Brian. L., Certo, T., Ireland, R. D., & Reutzel, Christopher. R. (2011). Signaling Theory: A Review And Assessment. Journal Of Management, 37(1), 39–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206310388419

Delgado-Ceballos, J., Ortiz-De-Mandojana, N., Antolín-López, R., & Montiel, I. (2023). Connecting The Sustainable Development Goals To Firm-Level Sustainability And ESG Factors The Need For Double Materiality. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 26(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/23409444221140919

Dwistia, R. E., Widjaja, K. K., Meythi, M., & Martusa, R. (2024). The Effect of the Presence of Foreign Board Members on Corporate ESG Scores in Indonesia. Jurnal Bisnis Dan Akuntansi, 26(2), 393–410. Retrieved from https://jurnaltsm.id/index.php/JBA/article/view/2633/1598

Erdogan, S. B., Danisman, G. O., & Demir, E. (2024). ESG Performance And Investment Efficiency: The Impact Of Information Asymmetry. Journal Of International Financial Markets, Institutions And Money, 91, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intfin.2023.101919

Freeman, E. (2010). Strategic Management. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Freeman, R. E. (2017). The New Story Of Business: Towards A More Responsible Capitalism. Business And Society Review, 122(3), 449–465. https://doi.org/10.1111/basr.12123

Fu, T., & Li, J. (2023). An Empirical Analysis Of The Impact Of ESG On Financial Performance: The Moderating Role Of Digital Transformation. Frontiers In Environmental Science, 11(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1256052

Gavana, G., Gottardo, P., & Moisello, A. M. (2022). Related Party Transactions And Earnings Management: The Moderating Effect Of ESG Performance. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(10), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105823

Gesso, C. Del, & Lodhi, R. N. (2024). Theories Underlying Environmental, Social And Governance (ESG) Disclosure: A Systematic Review Of Accounting Studies. Journal Of Accounting Literature, 46(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1108/jal-08-2023-0143

Giannopoulos, G., Fagernes, R. V. K., Elmarzouky, M., & Hossain, K. A. B. M. A. (2022). The ESG Disclosure And The Financial Performance Of Norwegian Listed Firms. Journal Of Risk And Financial Management, 15(6), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/JRFM15060237

Glennisa, C., Martusa, R., & Meythi, M. (2024). Factors Affecting Indonesian Public Company Disclosure Of CSR Activities. Jurnal Akuntansi, 28(02), 281–299. https://doi.org/10.24912/ja.v28i2.1725

Gull, A. A., Atif, M., Ahsan, T., & Derouiche, I. (2022). Does Waste Management Affect Firm Performance? International Evidence. Economic Modelling, 114(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2022.105932

Gunawan, J. F., Hakim, R. C., Martusa, R., & Meythi, M. (2025). Risk Management, Company Risk, Moderating Role of Board Gender Diversity. Jurnal Bisnis Dan Akuntansi, 27(1), 21–38. https://doi.org/https://jurnaltsm.id/index.php/JBA/article/view/2686/1660

Halkos, G., & Nomikos, S. (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility: Trends In Global Reporting Initiative Standards. Economic Analysis And Policy, 69(1), 106–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2020.11.008

Hazaea, S. A., Al-Matari, E. M., Farhan, N. H. S., & Zhu, J. (2023). The Impact Of Board Gender Diversity On Financial Performance: A Systematic Review And Agenda For Future Research. Corporate Governance (Bingley), 23(7), 1716–1747. https://doi.org/10.1108/CG-07-2022-0302

He, F., Du, H., & Yu, B. (2022). Corporate ESG Performance And Manager Misconduct: Evidence From China. International Review Of Financial Analysis, 82(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2022.102201

Ima, U. M. (2023). The Effect Of Firm Size on Financial Performance Of Firm: Evidence From The Non-bank Financial Institutions Of Bangladesh. Research Journal Of Finance And Accounting, 14(4), 24–32. https://doi.org/10.7176/rjfa/14-4-04

Islam, T., Islam, R., Pitafi, A. H., Xiaobei, L., Rehmani, M., Irfan, M., & Mubarak, M. S. (2021). The Impact Of Corporate Social Responsibility On Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role Of Corporate Reputation, Customer Satisfaction, And Trust. Sustainable Production And Consumption, 25(1), 123–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2020.07.019

Jang, G. Y., Kang, H. G., & Kim, W. (2022). Corporate Executives’ Incentives And ESG Performance. Finance Research Letters, 49(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2022.103187

Jang, G. Y., Kang, H. G., Lee, J. Y., & Bae, K. (2020). ESG Scores And The Credit Market. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(8), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/SU12083456

Jarne, J. I., Gastón, S. C., Fondevila, M. M., & Macarulla, F. L. (2022). The Impact Of Organizational Culture On The Effectiveness Of Corporate Governance To Control Earnings Management. Journal Of Risk And Financial Management, 15(9), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15090379

Jensen, M. C., & Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory Of The Firm: Managerial Behavior, Agency Costs And Ownership Structure. Journal Of Financial Economics, 3(1), 305–360. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-405X(76)90026-X

Jogiyanto. (2018). Metodologi Penelitian Bisnis (6th ed.). BPFE Yogyakarta.

Kalantonis, P., Kallandranis, C., & Sotiropoulos, M. (2021). Leverage And Firm Performance: New Evidence On The Role Of Economic Sentiment Using Accounting Information. Journal Of Capital Markets Studies, 5(1), 96–107. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCMS-10-2020-0042

Kennedy, P. (2008). A Guide to Econometrics. Toronto: Wiley-Blackwell.

Kolsi, M. C., Al-Hiyari, A., & Hussainey, K. (2023). Does Environmental, Social, And Governance Performance Mitigate Earnings Management Practices? Evidence From US Commercial Banks. Environmental Science And Pollution Research, 30(8), 20386–20401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23616-2

Landi, G., & Sciarelli, M. (2019). Towards A More Ethical Market: The Impact Of ESG Rating On Corporate Financial Performance. Social Responsibility Journal, 15(1), 11–27. https://doi.org/10.1108/SRJ-11-2017-0254

Lee, K. W., & Thong, T. Y. (2023). Board Gender Diversity, Firm Performance And Corporate Financial Distress Risk: International Evidence From Tourism Industry. Equality, Diversity And Inclusion, 42(4), 530–550. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-11-2021-0283

Lee, M. T., Raschke, R. L., & Krishen, A. S. (2022). Signaling Green! Firm ESG Signals In An Interconnected Environment That Promote Brand Valuation. Journal Of Business Research, 138, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.08.061

Lee, & Isa, M. (2023). Environmental, Social And Governance (ESG) Practices And Financial Performance Of Shariah-Compliant Companies In Malaysia. Journal Of Islamic Accounting And Business Research, 14(2), 295–314. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIABR-06-2020-0183

Lee, & Thong, T. Y. (2023). Board Gender Diversity, Firm Performance And Corporate Financial Distress Risk: International Evidence From Tourism Industry. Equality, Diversity And Inclusion, 42(4), 530–550. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-11-2021-0283

Li, Q., Tang, W., & Li, Z. (2024). ESG Systems And Financial Performance In Industries With Significant Environmental Impact: A Comprehensive Analysis. Frontiers In Sustainability, 5(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2024.1454822

Luo, Z., Li, Y., Nguyen, L. T., Jo, I., & Zhao, J. (2024). The Moderating Role Of Country Governance In The Link Between ESG And Financial Performance: A Study Of Listed Companies In 58 Countries. Sustainability (Switzerland) , 16(13), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135410

Makhija, H., Raghukumari, P. S., & Sethiya, A. (2024). Does Board Gender Diversity Moderate The Impact Of ESG On Firms’ Economic Value Added? Evidence From An Emerging Economy. International Journal Of Productivity And Performance Management, 1(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-12-2023-0664

Martusa, R., Joni, & Tin, S. (2023). Tata Kelola Perusahaan: Sebuah Perspektif Sustainability. Yogyakarta: Penerbit Andi.

Martusa, R., Meythi, M., Asher, S., & Patricia, E. (2025). Corporate Social Responsibility and Profitability in the Primary Consumption Sector on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Economy, (1(49)), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.31435/ijite.1(49).2025.2984

Menicucci, E., & Paolucci, G. (2022). Board Diversity And ESG Performance: Evidence From The Italian Banking Sector. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(20), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013447

Mulyadi, M., Meythi, M., Martusa, R., & Rapina, R. (2024). Are Profitability and Leverage Able to Predict the Risk of Financial Distress? JASa (Jurnal Akuntansi, Audit Dan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi), 8(3), 615–626. https://doi.org/10.36555/jasa.v8i3.2693

Ng, A. C., & Rezaee, Z. (2020). Business Sustainability Factors And Stock Price Informativeness. Journal Of Corporate Finance, 64(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2020.101688

Nguyen, H. T., & Nguyen, A. H. (2020). The Impact Of Capital Structure On Firm Performance: Evidence From Vietnam. Journal Of Asian Finance, Economics And Business, 7(4), 97–105. https://doi.org/10.13106/JAFEB.2020.VOL7.NO4.97

Novia, T. S., & Meythi, M. (2022). Profitability: The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance Implementation. International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Economy, 38(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31435/rsglobal_ijite/30062022/7845

Olateju, D. J., Olateju, O. A., Adeoye, S. V., & Ilyas, I. S. (2021). A Critical Review Of The Application Of The Legitimacy Theory To Corporate Social Responsibility. International Journal Of Managerial Studies And Research, 9(3), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.20431/2349-0349.0903001

Ouni, Z., Mansour, J. Ben, & Arfaoui, S. (2020). Board/Executive Gender Diversity And Firm Financial Performance In Canada: The Mediating Role Of Environmental, Social, And Governance (ESG) Orientation. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(20), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208386

Pandey, R., Biswas, P., Ali, M., & Mansi, M. (2019). Female Directors On The Board And Cost Of Debt: Evidence From Australia. Accounting And Finance, 60(4), 4031–4060. https://doi.org/10.1111/acfi.12521

Pathak, R., & Gupta, R. Das. (2022). Environmental, Social And Governance Performance And Earnings Management – The Moderating Role Of Law Code And Creditor’s Rights. Finance Research Letters, 47(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.frl.2022.102849

Putri, A. A., Martusa, R., & Meythi, M. (2024). Performance of Companies and Controlling Share Ownership on Company Liquidity: Evidence from Emerging Markets. Applied Quantitative Analysis, 4(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.31098/quant.2044

PWC. (2023). Sustainability Counts II: State of Sustainability Reporting in Asia Pacific.

Rajagukguk, J., & Siagian, H. (2021). The Effect Of Liquidity And Total Asset Turnover On Profitability: Research Study On Pharmaceutical Companies In Indonesia Stock Exchange. Ekonomis: Journal Of Economics And Business, 5(2), 444–448. https://doi.org/10.33087/ekonomis.v5i2.400

Shakil, M. H., Tasnia, M., & Mostafiz, M. I. (2020). Board Gender Diversity And Environmental, Social And Governance Performance Of US Banks: Moderating Role Of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Controversies. International Journal Of Bank Marketing, 39(4), 661–677. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-04-2020-0210

Singhania, S., Singh, J., & Aggrawal, D. (2024). Board Committees And Financial Performance: Exploring The Effects Of Gender Diversity In The Emerging Economy Of India. International Journal Of Emerging Markets, 19(6), 1626–1644. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-03-2022-0491

Sun, Y., Zhao, D., & Cao, Y. (2024). The Impact Of ESG Performance, Reporting Framework, And Reporting Assurance On The Tone Of ESG Disclosures: Evidence From Chinese Listed Firms. Journal Of Cleaner Production, 466(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142698

Talan, G., Sharma, G. D., Pareira, V., & Muschert, G. W. (2024). From ESG To Holistic Value Addition: Rethinking Sustainable Investment From The Lens Of Stakeholder Theory. International Review Of Economics And Finance, 96(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2024.103530

Tang, H. (2022). The Effect Of ESG Performance On Corporate Innovation In China: The Mediating Role Of Financial Constraints And Agency Cost. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(7), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073769

Wu, Z., Gao, J., Luo, C., Xu, H., & Shi, G. (2024). How Does Boardroom Diversity Influence The Relationship Between ESG And Firm Financial Performance? International Review Of Economics And Finance, 89(1), 713–730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2023.10.045

Yoon, B., Lee, J. H., & Byun, R. (2018). Does ESG Performance Enhance Firm Value? Evidence From Korea. Sustainability (Switzerland), 10(10), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103635

Yu, X., & Xiao, K. (2022). Does ESG Performance Affect Firm Value? Evidence From A New ESG-Scoring Approach For Chinese Enterprises. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(24), 1–40. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416940

Zhang, J., Zheng, C., & Shan, Y. G. (2024). What Accounts For The Effect Of Sustainability Engagement On Stock Price Crash Risk During The COVID-19 Pandemic—Agency Theory Or Legitimacy Theory? International Review Of Financial Analysis, 93(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103167

Zhao, C., Guo, Y., Yuan, J., Wu, M., Li, D., Zhou, Y., & Kang, J. (2018). ESG And Corporate Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence From China’s Listed Power Generation Companies. Sustainability (Switzerland), 10(8), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082607

Zhou, G., Liu, L., & Luo, S. (2022). Sustainable Development, ESG Performance And Aompany Aarket Value: Mediating Effect Of Financial Performance. Business Strategy And The Environment, 31(7), 3371–3387. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3089

Zulvina, Y., Zulvina, D., Makhdalena, M., & Zulvina, F. (2021). Peran Dewan Wanita Pada Pengungkapan Anti Penyuapan Dan Kinerja Keuangan Di Perusahaan Sektor Pertambangan Di BEI. Jurnal Magister Akuntansi Trisakti, 8(1), 45–64. https://doi.org/10.25105/jmat.v8i1.8843

Downloads

Published

2026-01-14

How to Cite

Pardosi, C. S. ., Martusa, R., Meythi, M., & Rapina, R. (2026). Does Gender Inclusivity Strengthen the ESG-Financial Performance Nexus? Evidence from Indonesian Public Companies. Owner : Riset Dan Jurnal Akuntansi, 10(1), 687-701. https://doi.org/10.33395/owner.v10i1.2997