Entrepreneurial Motivations and ESG Performance Evidence from Automobile Companies Listed on the Chinese Stock Exchange

This study explores the impact of entrepreneurial motivations on ESG performance in Chinese stock exchange listed automobile companies. Using quantitative methods and empirical analysis via STATA software, the research examines baseline stability, endogeneity, heterogeneity, and mediation/moderation mechanisms. A sample of 50 firms from the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges 2003 and 2023 was analyzed. Results indicate that entrepreneurial motivations positively influence ESG performance. mediated by innovation capability and moderated by market competition intensity. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights, aligning with Stakeholder and institutional theories. The study provides a robust framework for understanding strategic ESG behavior in Chinas automobile sector.