This study examines the complex relationship between family control and Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) engagement in Chinese enterprises. It finds that family firms' socioemotional wealth (SEW) does not always support ESG actions. Institutional investors may even restrict family firms from implementing ESG strategies in less mature markets. Moreover, in strong political climates where companies are compelled to participate in social engagement, family and institutional controls have limited impact, indicating significant variances in ESG engagement influenced by political and market contexts.
