This research investigates how female CEOs and board gender composition (BGC) influence environmental innovation. Using a panel dataset of 237 energy companies, the study reveals that female CEOs are more committed to the environment than males. Interestingly, the findings also show that the BGC positively moderates the female CEO and environmental innovation nexus. Additionally, it reveals that female CEOs have a more significant influence on promoting environmentally friendly innovation in profitable energy companies than males. The findings remain strong after various robustness tests, contributing to the ongoing debate on gender equality and offering novel insights into the green footprint.

The main objective of the current study is to shed light on the mediating effect of financial technology (Fin-Tech) on the relationship between artificial intelligence (encompassing natural language processing (NLP), machine learning algorithms, computer vision, predictive analytics, robotic process automation (RPA), blockchain technology, and deep learning) and financial decision-making from the perspective of financial managers within Jordan's commercial banking sector. Realizing this objective required the use of quantitative methodology. A questionnaire was self-administered by 86 financial managers in the Jordanian banking sector. Primary data was analyzed using AMOS. Results of analysis confirmed that FinTech plays a significant mediating role between AI applications and financial decision-making. Machine learning was identified as the most impactful AI technique, facilitating more informed decisions through advanced data analysis and pattern recognition beyond the scope of traditional analysis methods. The novelty of current research is in the fact that it offers valuable insights into the intersection of AI and Fin-Tech within the Jordanian financial sector. It contributes to the understanding of how advanced AI techniques can enhance financial decision-making, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary expertise in the development of AI-driven financial systems. The findings have significant implications for both theoretical understanding and practical application in the finance industry. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-03-015 Full Text: PDF

Embracing corporate sustainability has emerged as a crucial strategy for companies to bolster their competitive edge and reputation. This research delves into the connection between environmental, social, and governance practices (ESG) and the cost of debt, as well as the moderating role of financial distress within this connection. By analyzing data from Saudi-listed firms between 2013 and 2021, we discovered that ESG practices have a notable negative impact on borrowing costs. This implies that organizations with increased transparency in their ESG disclosure gain access to external financial resources under more favorable terms. Additionally, we observed that the effect of ESG on the cost of debt is significantly and negatively moderated by the financial distress encountered by a firm. To bolster the credibility of these findings, dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) models were utilized to address any potential endogeneity concerns, thereby enhancing the strength and resilience of the outcomes. The findings of this paper hold substantial value for investors, lenders, corporate management, and policymakers when considering the implementation and significance of a company’s ESG practices.

This paper aims to examine the impact of corporate sustainable management (CSM) on earnings management (EM) activities using annual data from 2018 to 2022 for 37 non-financial Saudi indexed firms. A multi-measure approach was utilized to proxy for EM (AEM and REM) and CSM (CSR sustainability reporting, CSR sustainability committee, CSR sustainability external audit, GRI report guidelines, ESG performance index). The empirical analysis employed pooled ordinary least squares (POLS) regression. The results suggest that CSM plays a significant role in reducing both AEM and REM practices, indicating that sustainability-oriented organizations mitigate EM activities. Furthermore, the study reveals a negative correlation between CSM and sales manipulation, overproduction, and cutting discretionary expenditures. This research supports the notion that companies prioritize sustainable management due to a focus on long-term strategies and transparency. This is the first work in the Middle East and Arab region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, investigating this association.