|
Examining the Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure on Dividend Payout Policy: The Moderating Role of Audit Quality
|
Maryam Bahadori *   , Gholam Reza Farsad Amanollahi , Maedeh Masoumi |
| Hormozgan Supreme Audit Court |
|
|
Abstract: (163 Views) |
This study investigates the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure on dividend payout policy, considering the moderating role of audit quality among firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the period 2020–2024 (1399–1403). The research adopts a correlational design employing multiple regression analysis based on a sample of 110 companies. Dividend policy is measured through two indicators: dividend payout ratio and dividend growth rate. Empirical results reveal that ESG disclosure exerts a significant and positive effect on dividend payout ratio, yet shows a significant and negative association with dividend growth. Moreover, audit quality is found to moderate the relationships between ESG disclosure and both dividend payout ratio and dividend growth rate. High‑quality audits enhance transparency, legitimacy, and the reliability of ESG reporting, thereby influencing managerial decisions regarding dividend distribution. Overall, the findings underscore that audit quality, through strengthening credible ESG disclosures, can reshape corporate dividend decision‑making frameworks and contribute to the development of sustainable corporate governance policies and more informed shareholder expectation management in Iranian firms.
|
|
| Keywords: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure, Dividend Payout Policy, Audit Quality |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 1049 kb]
(74 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Auditing
Received: 2025/11/3 | Accepted: 2026/06/13 | Published: 2026/05/31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
