The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on motivating factors affecting individual investors’ socially responsible investment decision: a comparative analysis of the USA, Germany and Japan
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
Individual investors are experiencing serious sentiment shifts that influence their financial activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic while socially responsible investment (SRI) has garnered attention worldwide. This study aims to explore how individual investors’ sentiments and investment choices altered in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
We surveyed 1,219 individual investors in Japan, the USA and Germany using an online questionnaire and performed a cross-sectional analysis using logit and ordered logit regressions.
Findings
This study found that individual investor sentiment affects SRI after COVID-19, but not necessarily in the same manner. Return-focused aspects negatively affect their SRI, while relationship-oriented social issues positively affect it. In addition, the relationship differs by nation. Japanese investors anticipate shorter term SRI returns than the US and German investors. Only Japanese investors’ SRI decisions were impacted by the relationship-oriented social factors including the environment, diversity and employee rights and welfare.
Research limitations/implications
This study emphasizes the need for precise motivation characterization when evaluating the same issue. The author also identified the variance and characteristics among countries, which differ from previous research.
Practical implications
An academically credible image of the relationship will enable business managers to find appealing strategies. This study also suggests country-specific investor relations strategies.
Originality/value
This study differentiates return- and relationship-oriented social motivations for SRI into 14 components, thus clarifying the relationship mechanism between the COVID-19 pandemic and individual investors’ SRI behavior. Moreover, no study has compared individual investor sentiment and investment behavior affected by the pandemic in the three countries.
期刊介绍:
Providing a consistent source of in-depth information, analysis and advice considering corporate governance on an international scale, Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society focuses on knowledge development, practice and performance standards for scholars and Boards of Directors/ Governors of companies throughout the world. The journal publishes a diverse range of substantive theoretical and methodological debates as well as practical developments in the field of corporate governance worldwide. The journal particularly encourages attention to the impact of changes of business/corporate governance forms and practices on people, and the sustainability of different governance models. Articles that highlight models and structures that advance the interests, dignity and well being of all stakeholders, in a sustainable manner, are particularly welcome. The journal covers a broad spectrum of governance-related themes including: -Effective boardroom performance -Control and regulation -Executive leadership -The role and contribution of external (non-executive) directors -The growing importance of governance in the wake of ever-greater corporate scandals -Redefinitions and reassessments of corporate governance models -The role of business in society -The changing nature of the relationship and responsibilities of the firm towards various stakeholders -The incentives required to encourage more socially- and environmentally-responsible corporate action -The role and impact of local and international regulatory agencies and regimes on corporate behaviour.