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The Influence of Executives’ Education Background on Corporate Green Innovation: A Dual Perspective of Risk Bearing and Social Responsibility

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  • Yunhua Zhang

    (School of Business, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China)

  • Jia Wu

    (School of Business Administration, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou 362021, China)

  • Min Chen

    (School of Business, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China)

Abstract

Sustainable development, epitomized by green innovation, is increasingly emerging as a pivotal force propelling economic ecosystems and environmental conservation efforts. It plays a vital role in addressing the environmental challenges epitomized by the Kuznets curve conundrum. As a pivotal theoretical determinant in fostering green innovation practices within firms, the extent of influence and the underlying mechanism of top executives’ educational backgrounds have not been adequately examined through empirical research. This study investigates the influence of executives’ educational attainment on corporate green innovation, examining the relationship from the perspectives of risk assumption and corporate social responsibility. The results of our analysis are as follows: (1) there is a significant positive correlation between the educational level of executives and the incidence of green technological innovation within firms. (2) Executives with overseas backgrounds make a substantial contribution to both green technological and green management innovation. (3) The examination of mediation effects reveals that risk bearing plays a partial mediation role in the process through which executives’ educational background influences green technological innovation. Additionally, corporate social responsibility functions as a partial mediation factor.

Suggested Citation

  • Yunhua Zhang & Jia Wu & Min Chen, 2024. "The Influence of Executives’ Education Background on Corporate Green Innovation: A Dual Perspective of Risk Bearing and Social Responsibility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8382-:d:1486518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jing-Wen Huang & Yong-Hui Li, 2017. "Green Innovation and Performance: The View of Organizational Capability and Social Reciprocity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 145(2), pages 309-324, October.
    2. Kawai, Norifumi & Strange, Roger & Zucchella, Antonella, 2018. "Stakeholder pressures, EMS implementation, and green innovation in MNC overseas subsidiaries," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(5), pages 933-946.
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    Cited by:

    1. Youxuan Wang & Zhuohang Li, 2025. "How Do Core Management Team Network Ties Affect Green Innovation? Evidence from the Chinese ICT Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-40, April.

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