Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-9-2024

Abstract

Corporate Sustainability Performance (CSP) has gained substantial attention as firms recognize its potential impact on competitive advantage. In response, there has been a significant increase in the appointment of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) tasked with managing sustainability performance and integrating systemic sustainability initiatives for business growth. In this research, we draw upon upper echelon theory and social network theory to argue that merely having a CSO does not enhance CSP. However, the centrality of CSO within organizational networks significantly augments CSP. Further, leveraging literature from institutional theory and stakeholder theory, we provide a fresh perspective on how organizations should approach the introduction of CSO, thereby expanding the discourse on the interplay between CSO and CSP. This research provides an explanation on how social network perspective can improve upper echelons, stakeholder, and institutional views of strategy. We discuss the implications of our findings for practice and research.

Comments

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Publication Title

Academy of Management Proceedings

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5465/AMPROC.2024.28bp

Available for download on Wednesday, July 09, 2025

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