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Female rookie CEO and green innovation

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  • Wu, Yucheng
  • Wu, Dejun
  • Li, Xuechao

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the influence of female rookie CEOs’ career concerns on corporate green innovation. Using a sample of 39,387 firm-year observations from Chinese A-share listed firms from 2007 to 2023, we find that career concerns lead female rookie CEOs to diminish green innovation, an effect concentrated solely in substantive innovation (i.e., green invention patents). Our findings remain robust to a series of checks. The motivation tests suggest that female rookie CEOs reduce substantive green innovation, which is characterized by higher risks and costs, to maintain short-term performance stability and thereby enhance their job security. Further analysis shows that this negative effect is more pronounced in firms with younger CEOs and those facing higher financing constraints. By integrating gender differences into research on CEO career concerns and focusing on targeted green innovation initiatives, our study contributes to the literature on both CEO career concerns and the determinants of corporate sustainability. Moreover, our findings offer practical insights for promoting green innovation and provide valuable implications for environmental regulation policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Yucheng & Wu, Dejun & Li, Xuechao, 2026. "Female rookie CEO and green innovation," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 405-416.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:90:y:2026:i:c:p:405-416
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2026.01.038
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