The Moderating Role of Political Connections in the Relationship Between CEO Financial Expertise and Corporate Social Responsibility

Mojtaba Salehi; Reza Khani; Ali Pirzad; Hashem Valipour

Authors

Mojtaba Salehi Department of Accounting, Yas.C., Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4209-3024
Reza Khani Department of Accounting, Fa.C., Islamic Azad University, Fasa, Iran. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6618-8742
Ali Pirzad Department of Management, Yas.C., Islamic Azad University, Yasuj, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4412-9522
Hashem Valipour Department of Accounting, Fir.C., Islamic Azad University, Firoozabad, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4830-4711

Keywords:

political connections, CEO financial expertise, corporate social responsibility

Abstract

The first and most fundamental factor in corporate success is having successful managers with distinctive characteristics. Managerial characteristics can be examined from various perspectives, and managers can directly influence major corporate decisions. Society also pays attention to managers’ responses to different aspects of the organization and to organizations’ responsibilities toward society. This study examines the moderating role of political connections in the relationship between CEO financial expertise and corporate social responsibility. The statistical population comprises all companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during March 2015–March 2025, from which 117 companies were selected through systematic elimination. Data were analyzed using multiple regression with a panel data approach. The findings indicate a significant relationship between CEO financial expertise and corporate social responsibility. They also show that political connections can influence the relationship between CEO financial expertise and corporate social responsibility.

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The Moderating Role of Political Connections in the Relationship Between CEO Financial Expertise and Corporate Social Responsibility

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