Journal of economics and regional development

Abstract The present study provides new insights into a better understanding of macroeconomic financial and institutional factors influencing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in MENA region countries. To achieve this goal, annual data from 2000 to 2023 and quantile panel regression were utilized. The model estimation results indicated that financial development plays a positive and significant role in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Furthermore, the findings revealed that increased government efficiency and political stability, as institutional factors in MENA region countries, significantly enhance corporate social responsibility. In this study, per capita income and globalization variables were considered as control variables. This study offers an integrated perspective for identifying factors that can influence socially responsible behavior in MENA region countries. By providing empirical insights into the financial and institutional drivers of CSR in MENA countries, this study contributes to the literature and offers implications for policymakers, regulators, and corporate decision-makers aiming to enhance socially responsible business practices.

Abstract Present study examines impact of governance quality on financial sector development using a selected empirical dataset from the Middle Eastern countries for the period 1996-2022. For this purpose, overall governance quality index and six dimensions of governance quality index (dimensions of accountability, political stability and absence of violence/terrorism, government efficiency, regulatory quality, control of corruption, rule of law) on financial sector development are estimated using a quantile panel regression approach. Reason for using this technique is based on the argument that impact of governance quality is conditional on existing level of financial development and that sovereign financial development policies should be adjusted in countries with low, medium, and different levels to be effective. The empirical estimation based on quantile regression showed that overall governance quality index and its different dimensions have positive and significant effects in most quantiles. Furthermore, in most cases, the impact of governance quality is greater in magnitude in the higher quantiles. The empirical findings of this study show that differences in improvement of governance institutions explain differences between countries in terms of financial sector development. Based on conclusions drawn from findings; it is suggested that authorities should prepare groundwork for development of financial systems by expanding urbanization and facilitating entry into global village.

Abstract امروزه توسعه مالی به طور گسترده به عنوان یک کاتالیزور کلیدی برای رشد و پیشرفت اقتصادی شناخته شده است. با این حال، تأثیر توسعه مالی بر پایداری محیط‌زیست نامشخص است. علاوه بر این، ممکن است توسعه مالی اثرات غیرخطی و متفاوتی بر پایداری محیط‌زیست در کشورهای مختلف داشته باشد. از این‌رو، هدف این مطالعه، مقایسه اثرات نامتقارن توسعه مالی بر ردپای اکولوژیکی در سه کشور خاورمیانه (ایران، ترکیه و عربستان) با رهیافت الگوی خودرگرسیونی با وقفه‌های توزیعی غیرخطی (NARDL) طی دوره زمانی 1990- 2022 می‌باشد. تجزیه و تحلیل نامتقارن، نتایج قابل توجهی را در مورد تفاوت اثرات مثبت و منفی توسعه مالی بر محیط‌زیست ارائه می‌دهد. در مورد ایران، افزایش توسعه مالی سبب افزایش ردپای اکولوژیکی می‌شود در حالی که افزایش بخش مالی ترکیه و عربستان به بهبود محیط‌زیست کمک می‌کند. بهرحال کاهش توسعه مالی اثر معناداری از نظر آماری بر ردپای اکولوژیکی در ایران و عربستان ندارد ولی سبب بدتر شدن کیفیت محیط‌زیست می‌شود. بنابراین یافته‌ای تجربی، این مطالعه پیامدهای سیاستی متفاوتی برای هر کشور در جهت دستیابی به توسعه پایدار ارائه می‌دهد.