Executive Officer Research Articles

Green human resource management and corporate social responsibility as drivers of organizational performance: mediating effects of employee engagement and corporate reputation in Vietnam

Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM), corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational performance (OP) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by examining corporate reputation (CR) and employee engagement (EE) as mediators in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach This study used the quantitative method with 458 valid responses from mid- to senior-level managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) were obtained and used for data analysis. To analyze and explore the relationships between constructs and mediators, SmartPLS version 4.0 structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data of the SMEs of Vietnam in 2023. Findings The results showed strong and positive relationships between GHRM, CSR and OP in SMEs, with CR and EE serving as significant mediators. Originality/value This research provides new insights into how GHRM and CSR enhance OP by using an integrated model that examines how CR and EE mediate this relationship. It demonstrates that businesses implementing GHRM and CSR can promote sustainable development among stakeholders, leading to improved OP in Vietnam’s dynamic economic environment. The findings have practical implications for executives and managers, emphasizing the need to balance stakeholder, environmental and social interests to optimize GHRM and CSR initiatives and foster sustainable growth. This study’s insights could significantly influence SMEs in the Vietnamese economy.

A bird’s eye view of the SAJS through the lens of the ASSAf Executive Officer

A bird’s eye view of the SAJS through the lens of the ASSAf Executive Officer

Are Boards Sensitive to CEO Masculinity? The Effect of CEO Facial and Vocal Masculinity on CEO Dismissal

AbstractDrawing on evolutionary psychology theorizing, this paper examines how chief executive officer (CEO) facial and vocal masculinity – as evolved biases shaping peoples' perceptions of an individual's leadership ability – influence boards' dismissal decisions. Specifically, we theorize that boards are likely to perceive CEO facial and vocal masculinity as costly to the firm, as they signal aggression, dominance, and risk‐taking – traits that are only valued in the narrow context of conflict. Based on this reasoning, we argue that CEO facial and vocal masculinity will be positively related to CEO dismissal. Further, we develop contingency arguments which suggest that CEO facial and vocal masculinity will interact with analysts' evaluation of firm performance to jointly influence CEO dismissal. We test and find support for our predictions using a panel dataset of CEOs from S&P 1500 firms.

Driving circular economy adoption through top management commitment and organisational motivation: a quantitative study on small- and medium-sized enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to influence top management commitment and organisational motivation on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) adoption of circular economy practices in the United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 438 middle- and higher-level managers, owners, directors and chief executive officers of SMEs through an online survey. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling. Findings The results reveal positive relationships between top management commitment, organisational motivation and circular economy adoption. Furthermore, organisational motivation partially mediates the impact of top management commitment on adoption, highlighting the importance of both direct and indirect influences of leadership. Originality/value This study contributes to the emerging discourse on circular economy adoption in emerging markets by offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and SMEs aiming for sustainable growth amidst resource constraints.

Chief executive officers’ compensation: Does gender pay parity exist in the Nigerian context?

The optimal contract theory posits that an effective compensation plan should be based on performance. Globally, legislators are concerned about the gender pay gap due to stereotypes against women in line with congruity theory. Despite the plethora of gender-related studies, empirical evidence on the gender pay gap at the upper-echelon management level is limited, especially in Africa. Hence, the study examines the effect of CEO gender on CEO compensation in the Nigerian deposit money banks using a longitudinal research design. The study employed the ordinary least square (OLS), fixed effect method, and random effect method to analyze the 144 firm-year observations collected from the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) factbooks and the financial reports of 12 banks during 2011–2022. The Hausman Test (chi sq = 3.623, P = 0.003) and Redundant Fixed Effect Test (chi sq = 8.159, P = 0.000) indicated that the appropriate method of reporting is the fixed effect method. The association between CEO gender and CEO compensation (coeff = –8.690 and t = –10.31) is statistically negatively related. The study concluded a gender pay gap in favor of men among Nigerian Nigerian deposit money banks’ CEOs. These findings align with the congruity theory. The study recommends a mandatory gender pay parity plan in line with the optimal contract theory to reduce gender pay inequality.

Does CEO social capital affect corporate ESG performance?

This paper empirically examines the relationship between CEO (Chief Executive Officer) social capital and corporate ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) performance. Using a sample of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2010 to 2020, the paper finds a negative correlation between CEO social capital and corporate ESG performance. In addition, we also consider how the firm's market trading activity and CEO duality moderates the impact of CEO social capital on firms' ESG, and both are concluded to be positively moderated. Upon further research, we also find that (1) the positive contribution of CEO's social capital to firms' ESG performance is more significant in state-owned enterprises. (2) The negative facilitating effect of CEO's social capital on corporate ESG performance is more significant in large-scale enterprises. (3) ESG practices lead to the loss of shareholder wealth, resulting in the reduction of corporate value. The results of the study deepen the knowledge of academics and practitioners about the value-creating function of CEO social capital, and provide empirical evidence for listed companies to pay attention to and make use of CEO social capital to enhance their corporate social responsibility commitment.

Enhancing Malaysia’s Halal Brand Identity: Insights and Strategies for Sustainable Global Halal Hub

Halal branding has become an essential strategy for businesses to cater to the needs of Muslim consumers and tap into a rapidly growing market. Malaysia has positioned itself as a global halal hub, attracting Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) food manufacturers and becoming a trusted source of halal products and services. However, developing a distinct Malaysia’s halal brand identity remains a challenge. This article explores the importance of developing a strong halal brand identity for the sustainability of Malaysia as a global halal hub. The study conducted in-depth interviews with eight identified respondents who were either chief executive officers, presidents of participating companies, or partners and directors of various government agencies at local and international branches. The study discusses successful halal brand identity campaigns undertaken by major global and regional brands, focusing on promoting halal values, ethical practices, and the benefits of halal products. To develop a strong halal brand identity, comprehensive marketing and communication strategies are recommended, utilising the effects theory to craft effective digital marketing strategies that resonate with Muslim consumers and promote ethical consumption.

Corporate governance and capital market development in the GCC: a comparative literature review

PurposeThis review provides a detailed analysis of corporate governance practices across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on board characteristics, executive remuneration, capital markets and the integration of ethical and sustainable practices. It evaluates how these governance frameworks influence market performance, investor confidence and corporate sustainability within the region.Design/methodology/approachThe study synthesizes findings from 15 recent research studies, examining corporate governance mechanisms, board composition, executive compensation policies and their impact on market capitalization. The data were collected from major academic databases, including Google Scholar, Springer, Web of Science and Scopus.FindingsThe analysis exhibits both similarities and differences in corporate governance frameworks across GCC countries. Important findings include a universal mandate for the separation of chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman roles, varied board composition requirements and differing executive remuneration and transparency policies. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lead in market capitalization, reflecting advanced governance practices, though disparities exist among GCC countries. The review also notes the increasing alignment of corporate governance with corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles, especially in sustainability reporting and ethical practices, highlighting a growing commitment to long-term value creation.Originality/valueThis review uniquely synthesizes recent research on GCC corporate governance, offering insights on board structures, executive pay and market dynamics with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices. It provides valuable perspectives for stakeholders, policymakers and academics interested in enhancing governance frameworks in the region while contributing to the global discourse on aligning corporate governance with sustainability standards.

How sector fluidity (knowledge-intensiveness and innovation) shapes startups’ resilience during crises

In the context of the crises, this study sheds light on the varying impact of crises on startups in different sectors and outlines the specific resilience practices utilized in response, recovery, and growth phases. The research team conducted qualitative analysis on 18 public discussion interviews featuring key stakeholders in the Indian startup ecosystem, which included 51 chief executive officers, founders, cofounders, and venture capitalists who reflected on COVID-19. The study found that high-fluidity sectors (highly knowledge-intensive and innovative) leverage their agility through resourcefulness and customer value creation. In contrast, low-fluidity sectors (low in knowledge intensiveness) primarily focus on operational adjustments. As the transition goes from response to recovery, high-fluidity sectors prioritize digital transformation and strategic shifts, while low-fluidity sectors continue to cope. In the growth phase, high-fluidity startups exhibit growth aspirations, while low-fluidity ones emphasize business model innovation. This research provides valuable sector-specific insights into resilience and highlights the evolution of these strategies throughout a crisis, thereby enhancing our understanding of startup resilience in the context of the crisis.

Exploring Savico’s journey: dynamic capabilities and Industry 4.0 integration in organisation–industry actor relationships

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to enhance the extant empirical and conceptual understanding of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption and its repercussions for an organisation operating in an emerging economy, considering the dynamic capabilities framework. The study investigates (1) the potential impact of the I4.0 phenomenon on relationships between organisations and industry actors, (2) the existing effects of I4.0 on these relationships and (3) the necessary measures for organisations to unlock the full potential of I4.0 in order to enhance and reinforce these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative method was used. Semi-structured, open-ended face-to-face and online interviews were conducted with 18 directors, managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) of Savico, a leading Vietnamese car dealership.FindingsThe analysis revealed various dimensions highlighting impacts on organisation–industry actor relationships. For instance, the “enhancing internal/external operations” dimension highlights the significance of benefitting the company’s close stakeholders through a centralised management system or more advanced functions, while the empowering-nimble outcomes dimension underlines the benefits of I4.0 in enabling performance-based choices and staff empowerment.Practical implicationsTechnological phenomena such as the I4.0 regime require constant adaptive strategies, including knowledge acquisition and talent development. Thus, the study has implications for industry stakeholders, including companies, educational institutions and government agencies.Originality/valueThe study’s key value lies in proposing a model that provides conceptual depth into organisation–industry actor relationships. Furthermore, both the analysis and the model can guide researchers in future attempts to examine dynamic capabilities among firms operating in emerging economies, with important practical and theoretical implications.

Focus Group Interview: University-Industrial Collaboration

Business innovations can introduce novel and imaginative concepts, particularly within digitalization. Innovations have the potential to stimulate the advancement of enterprises, fostering market expansion, enhancing competitiveness, and optimizing profitability. Nevertheless, the implementation of innovation may be achievable in collaboration. Collaborations and interactions between academia and industrial entities may yield improved outcomes. Nevertheless, the presence of obstacles between academia and industries could harm the long-term viability of commercial innovation. The concerns and challenges faced by local institutions and enterprises in Malaysia are examined within the framework of a case study. Data was obtained from a random sample of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) across several industries. A focus group was conducted with 15 representatives from Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) companies and one moderator to lead the discussion. The findings from the focus group have been transcribed and analyzed based on their sharing. The rationale for focusing on CEOs was their role as critical decision-makers responsible for driving corporate innovations. The collection of perspectives from academia and industries was facilitated through face-to-face interviews. The study provided suggestions for potential avenues of future investigation.

Social Equity in Municipally Owned Corporations: Do Women in the Boardroom Make a Difference to the Gender Pay Gap?

ABSTRACTRepresentative bureaucracy theory posits that the presence of less‐advantaged social groups in public leadership positions is an important driver of social equity among the recipients of public services and the public servants who provide them. To evaluate whether active representation can lead to improvements in social equity within arms‐length public service organizations, this article presents an analysis of the relationship between women in the boardroom and the gender pay gap in 102 large municipally owned corporations (MOCs) in England for a 6‐year period (2017–2022). The findings suggest that MOCs led by female chief executive officers (CEOs) have a lower pay gap between male and female employees. The presence of more women directors on MOC boards is also negatively related to the pay gap, especially in MOCs led by male CEOs. The findings highlight the importance of board gender representation to address social equity in arms‐length public service organizations.

Red, blue, and green? The association between CEOs' political ideologies and green new product introductions

AbstractNot all firms exhibit the same level of commitment to green new product introductions (GNPIs), yet our understanding of the factors underlying these disparities remains incomplete. Prior research has primarily focused on firm‐level factors, paying little attention to individual‐level antecedents of GNPIs. This imbalance in the GNPI literature contrasts with the broader innovation and general management literature, which displays an ever‐growing interest in the “human side of innovation,” acknowledging the relevance of Chief Executive Officers' (CEOs') political ideologies for organizational outcomes. Addressing this imbalance, our study examines the relationship between CEOs' political ideologies and their firms' GNPIs, along with the conditions that shape this influence. Grounded in social identity theory, our study first argues that the more liberal CEOs are, the more GNPIs their firms are likely to generate and that this association is amplified by CEO power. It then proposes that the more liberal CEOs are, the more likely they are to respond to adverse situations beyond their control (a Republican presidency or lower levels of consumer green sentiment) by initiating more GNPIs. It finally posits that the more liberal CEOs are, the fewer GNPIs they tend to initiate in response to adverse situations for which they are accountable (involvement in sustainability‐related scandals). We integrate data from seven databases into a longitudinal dataset comprising 89 firms and 192 CEOs over the period 2010–2020 to test our theoretical framework empirically. Time‐lagged panel regression analyses strongly support our theoretical arguments. Our findings contribute to the emergence of an individual‐level, microfoundational perspective on sustainable innovations, our knowledge about the organizational implications and boundary conditions of CEOs' political ideologies, and the treatment of multiple identities within social identity theory, especially the relationship between political and occupational identities. The implications of our findings extend to business practitioners, offering valuable insights for CEOs, boards of directors, and investors.

Exploring the Association Between Chief Executive Remuneration and Financial Performance: A South African Banking Perspective

This research aimed to determine whether there is an association between financial performance and chief executive officer (CEO) remuneration when South African banks are sampled. A quantitative research approach was applied using a descriptive research design. The research included a data range spanning over 10 years. Financial data were collected through the Integrated Real-time Equity System (IRESS). Multiple regression testing was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Correlation coefficients were measured, and multiple regression models were constructed. This study found that cashflow per share, market price per share and liquidity ratios were often identified as predictors of CEO remuneration. This research contributed to the body of existing knowledge by demonstrating that the remuneration paid to South African bank CEOs can be predicted by means of selected financial ratios. Limitations included that the census was small and only consisted of eight banks in total. This limitation was accommodated by expanding the time frame for data collection.

Impacts of personality traits of sustainability-oriented CEO, perceived environmental friendliness and organizational agility on repurchase intention

ABSTRACT Consumers wish to purchase eco-friendly products, but their perception of the environmental friendliness of products and services can be influenced differently by organizational agility and the personality traits of sustainability-oriented chief executive officers (CEOs). Therefore, it is crucial to study consumer perceptions and responses to environmental friendliness. This study investigates the impact of the combination of sustainability-oriented CEOs’ personality traits and organizational agility on customers’ perceived environmental friendliness using upper echelons theory. The research is conducted through a survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that the personality traits of sustainability-oriented CEOs influence customers’ perceptions of environmental friendliness differently depending on organizational agility. Additionally, the degree whereto customers perceive environmental friendliness affects their continuous purchase decisions. This study provides practical insights for practitioners and managers in the marketing field, contributing to existing research on consumer behavior and competitive advantage through sustainability.

Integrating resource-based and market-based views in the fisheries industry – CEO perspectives

Icelandic fisheries have been driven by access to natural resources, focused on fishing, processing, and selling products to wholesalers. The purpose of this study is to identify competitive advantage in the industry and find out how it is evolving within the perspective of resource-based view (RBV) and market-based view (MBV). In addition, this study is aimed at providing empirical evidence that can improve the understanding of competitive advantage in RBV and MBV perspectives in academic research. This study involves qualitative case studies based on in-depth elite interviews with chief executive officers (CEOs) of Icelandic fishing companies holding around 50% of the allowable national fishing quota. The findings suggest a transition from an RBV to an MBV to strengthen the competitive advantage of the industry. Key findings stress the significance of growth strategy, enhancing integration, value chain control, and brand development within the MBV perspective. Furthermore, the identified competitive advantage integrates strengths from the RBV with a market perspective for the fisheries industry. By considering these research views jointly, the understanding of companies' strategic behaviors and outcomes in a specific industry is expanded. This study offers, in addition, actionable insights and recommendation for top management and stakeholders in the Icelandic fishing industry, highlighting a shift from RBV to MBV strategies and underscoring the importance of internal resource integration for sustaining competitiveness. Moreover, the study proposes a model showing the prospective competitive advantage of the industry. Additionally, it contributes to the ongoing discussion on competitive advantage and provides valuable industry-specific insights. Limitation of this study is that it may not fully represent the entire fishing industry in Iceland and relies exclusively on the perspectives of CEOs.

CEO AI orientation, human resources and green innovation: an attention-based view

PurposeWith the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology permeating various sectors, corporate management has increasingly directed their focus toward AI-driven innovation. Particularly, in response to escalating environmental standards, chief executive officers (CEOs) of manufacturing companies are turning to AI as a strategic tool to address challenges in green innovation. This paper aims to reveal the complex relationship between CEO AI orientation and green innovation through the attention-based view. Furthermore, it seeks to explore strategies to enhance corporate green innovation leveraging CEO AI orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses computer-assisted text analysis to extract data from annual reports of listed Chinese manufacturing companies and assesses them using negative binomial regression.FindingsThe empirical findings indicate the inverted U-shaped relationship between CEO orientation and green innovation. Initial green innovation performance increases with CEO AI orientation, reaching a peak before declining. Moreover, as CEO AI orientation increases, companies with higher levels of human resource slack are likely to reach the peak of green innovation earlier.Originality/valueFirstly, this paper introduces CEO AI orientation as a novel factor within the framework of the attention-based view for understanding green innovation. Secondly, the study investigates both the benefit effect and the cost effect (resource constraints) of CEO AI orientation on green innovation, examining the inverted U-shaped relationship between CEO orientation and green innovation. Thirdly, this paper explores the moderating effect of human resource slack on the relationship between CEO AI orientation and green innovation, setting the boundaries of CEO AI orientation’s impact on green innovation.

The Role of ward Police staff in Enhancing Rural Human Security: Evidence from Moshi District Council

Rural districts in Tanzania face significant challenges in maintaining human security, with crime rates often exacerbated by limited law enforcement resources and community disengagement. This study addresses the critical role of Ward Police Staff (WPS) in mitigating these issues, focusing on their impact within the Moshi District Council. The primary aim is to examine the role of Ward Police Staff in Moshi District Council, Tanzania. A pragmatic research philosophy was adopted, allowing for the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics involved. Moshi District was selected for this study due to its unique human security challenges, including a higher crime rate compared to neighboring districts, making it an ideal case for exploring the effectiveness of community-police collaboration. The research involved 188 participants, including Ward Executive Officers (WEOs), victims, and community members, and data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, group discussions, and documentary reviews. A concurrent triangulation nested explanatory research design was employed, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS software 26 version and qualitative data subjected to thematic analysis. The findings reveal the critical role of WPS in fostering community engagement and promoting security. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and local authorities in developing strategies to enhance human security in similar rural contexts. Recommendations include strengthening community engagement, customizing security initiatives, and providing continuous training for WPS to adapt to community needs effectively.

Shaping ESG commitment through organizational psychological capital: The role of CEO power

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of organizational psychological capital (OPC) on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, highlighting a relatively overlooked aspect in existing studies, and examines the moderating effect of chief executive officer (CEO) power on this relationship. Using a dataset of 1659 firm‐year observations from FTSE 350 firms across the years 2012–2021 and applying natural language processing (NLP) techniques, our findings reveal that higher levels of OPC are linked to a stronger commitment to ESG initiatives. However, this positive association is tempered by CEO power, which negatively moderates the relationship. Furthermore, our analysis shows that OPC not only enhances ESG performance but also positively influences financial performance and the core ESG pillars. These results, validated through rigorous robustness checks, offer significant insights for stakeholders and policymakers in the realm of corporate governance.

How CEOs’ overconfidence influences financial statement comparability under competition

This research investigates the relationship between product market competition, Chief Executive Officers’ (CEOs) overconfidence and financial statement comparability. It presents evidence supporting the argument that product market competition diminishes financial statement comparability consistent with the agency problem. Furthermore, it suggests that this negative relationship intensifies when CEOs display overconfidence. A tendency to underestimate risks and have an exaggerated view of one's abilities are indicators of overconfidence leading to the comparability of financial statements. This study analyzes 53,233 data observations spanning from 1992 to 2022 using firm and year-fixed effects panel regressions. The empirical findings confirm a negative relationship between product market competition and financial statement comparability. Moreover, this negative relationship is more pronounced under the leadership of overconfident CEOs. These findings remain robust even after we address other potential measurement concerns related to product market competition. Ultimately, this study highlights the necessity for regulatory institutions to closely monitor firms operating in competitive markets particularly those led by overconfident managers. Additionally, policymakers and regulatory bodies should exercise increased scrutiny when evaluating the financial reporting of such firms to enhance investor confidence. Future research could investigate alternative methods for deriving overconfidence measures from publicly available databases and examine how regulatory and institutional differences in various countries impact the quality of financial reporting including financial statement comparability.