Mapping the Evolution of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and its Appointment Impact on Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to synthesize literature and results about chief sustainability officer (CSO) appointment on performance of leading US companies that comprise the S & P 500 Index and to summarize the current trends, main topics, the most influential journals, and the authors.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: In our research, 233 studies from 144 scientific journals recruited for bibliometric analyses and covered three decades from 1998 to 2023. Our study has identified three influential streams: (1) The CSO as a top management team (TMT) member, the effect of appointment on its performance and; (2) Importance of sustainability and performance; and (3) Sustainable and performance. Thematic map classifies the CSO appointment and performance relationship themes into four categories: For instance, they can include niches themes (appointment of CSO and sustainability); motor themes (appointment of CSO and sustainable development); emerging/declining themes (appointment of CSO and corporate governance); and the foundation/transversal themes (appointment of CSO and sustainability reporting).
 Implications/Originality/Value: Through this study, scholars, public authorities, directors of companies, and advisers to businesses will have understanding about CSO appointment based on the performance in accordance with the accounting based, market based and economic based perspective. Finally, we point out the most important practical conclusions and provide research gaps in this area.