The Impact of Chinese CEOs' Facial Aesthetics on Their Compensation

Abstract

Much of the psychological and sociological literature has shown that beauty plays a role in the workplace. Does this apply to CEOs and affect their compensation? This study uses the term facial aesthetics to measure CEO beauty. Facial attractiveness and facial maturity are two important components of facial aesthetics. This paper summarizes three methods. The first method uses the ResNet50 deep convolutional neural network, using ImageNet data, which is applied to a variety of image processing tasks. The second method is Three-Dimensional Stereo-Photogrammetry using in major contemporary studies of facial soft-tissue attractiveness. The third approach is the Visual Analogue Scales, the validity of which is also well supported by empirical data, including in terms of test-retest and interrater reliability. The results show that both facial attractiveness and facial maturity have an impact on CEO compensation. Black CEOs with baby faces have higher pay and status than those with more mature faces. CEOs who are more physically attractive are paid more than their less attractive counterparts. However, there is little research on this aspect at present. Like facial maturity, only black CEOs and their pay have been studied, but for the rest of the population, the results are unknown. And, due to the cultural differences, each race also has aesthetic differences.