Corporate social responsibility, trade credit provision and doubtful accounts receivable: the case in China

Purpose This study aims to examine the linear and non-linear effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement on trade receivables of listed firms in China. Furthermore, this paper analyzes whether CSR explains the provision for doubtful trade receivables. Design/methodology/approach The authors use a sample of listed firms in China over the period from 2008 to 2015. System generalized method of moments is used to estimate dynamic panel models. Findings CSR is positively related to trade receivables, in line with previous studies in this field. Nonetheless, the investigation of the non-linear effect of CSR reveals that CSR has an inverted U-shaped relationship with trade receivables. This implies that at low levels, CSR is more likely to be a tool to mitigate risk and/or build a trusting relationship between suppliers and buyers; whereas, at high levels, CSR is more prone to be subject to agency cost. The authors further find that CSR has a U-shaped relationship with the provision for bad trade receivables, which substantiates the above link between CSR and trade receivables. Originality/value Previous studies have extensively examined the link between trade credit extension and firm performance and determinants of trade credit. CSR can be connected to trade receivables in some ways, but very little effort has been exerted in verifying this relationship. In addition, CSR is linearly linked to trade receivables in previous literature, but theoretically, it can be expected to have a non-linear relationship with trade receivables. Furthermore, CSR has not been examined as a determinant of the provision for doubtful trade receivables. The authors aim to void the gaps here by using a sample of listed firms in China.