Cultivating CSR: The Artistic Influence of Top Executives on Corporate Responsibility
研究中国上市公司董事长艺术熏陶（如接触非物质文化遗产）对企业社会责任的影响，发现艺术接触能提升CSR表现，尤其对女性、年长、本地董事长及有CSR委员会的企业更显著，且这种CSR主要源于利他动机而非自利。
Abstract This study examines the impact of top executives’ art exposure on corporate social responsibility (CSR) through the lens of altruistic motivations. Utilizing data on artistic elements from China’s national intangible cultural heritage (ICH), we find a significant positive relationship between board chairs’ art exposure and CSR performance, particularly when the arts are influential and popular. The effect is more pronounced among female, older, and local board chairs, and in firms with a CSR committee, greater board− CEO cultural proximity, lower corporate risk, and those in culturally vibrant regions. Mechanism analyses reveal that art exposure increases board chairs’ likelihood of engaging with the arts and reduces socially irresponsible behaviors. However, CSR performance in firms led by board chairs with extensive art exposure is negatively associated with firm value. These findings suggest that board chairs with rich art exposure engage in CSR primarily driven by altruistic motives rather than self-interest. Overall, the study underscores the role of artistic engagement in promoting altruism and enhancing CSR, advocating for the integration of the arts into business strategies.