혁신스타트업의 ESG 경영활동이 혁신성을 매개로 기업평판에 미치는 영향: 투자를 받은 스타트업을 중심으로

[Purpose]This study aims to analyze the impact of ESG management activities of innovative startups on innovation and corporate reputation, and to identify the structural relationship between ESG management and corporate performance by verifying the mediating effect of innovation. Through this study, we aimed to find ways to strengthen corporate reputation based on ESG management activities and innovation of innovative startups. [Methodology]Hypotheses were derived from previous studies, and frequency analysis was conducted to analyze the characteristics of the respondents using SPSS and AMOS based on 184 questionnaires. The analysis of the data included exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling, verification of consistency between empirical data and validation of the model. Based on the analysis results, the causal relationship between factors was identified and the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. [Findings]Corporate governance has a significant impact on innovativeness, and innovativeness has a significant impact on corporate reputation, but green and social responsibility activities have no impact. Furthermore, corporate governance has a significant impact on corporate reputation through the mediation of corporate innovativeness. [Implications]For innovation startups, this suggests that improving corporate governance is relatively important for innovation and reputation. It is necessary to prioritize the establishment of sound governance in ESG management strategies. Governments and related organizations should create an institutional framework to support startups’ governance and innovation capabilities.