This study investigates the influence of operational inflexibility on corporate philanthropic giving, utilizing data from Chinese listed companies for the period 2001 to 2021. The findings indicate that greater operational inflexibility is associated with reduced corporate philanthropy. This negative relationship is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, indicating the possible political incentives of philanthropic giving in sample firms. Mechanism analysis suggests that operational inflexibility curtails corporate philanthropy by inducing managerial short-termism. This research enhances understanding of how operational inflexibility limits corporate philanthropic activities, offering valuable insights for policymakers and corporations on the critical role of operational flexibility in advancing corporate social responsibility.