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Watch me invest: Does CEO narcissism affect green innovation? CEO personality traits and eco‐innovation

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  • Imen Khanchel
  • Naima Lassoued
  • Cyrine Khiari

Abstract

This study explores an important yet understudied relationship between CEO narcissism and green innovation, both separately and when moderated by CEO demographic traits (international experience and age). We analyzed a sample of 206 U.S.‐listed firms on the S&P 500 over a 10‐year period. Our initial findings indicate a negative association between CEO narcissism and green innovation. However, further analysis reveals that this relationship is influenced by two CEO demographic traits. Specifically, CEOs' international experience and age mitigate the initially negative link between CEO narcissism and green innovation. These results align with insights from the upper echelon theory, shedding light on the dark side of narcissism. The implications of our findings extend to firms' team management, directors, policy‐makers, and regulators.

Suggested Citation

  • Imen Khanchel & Naima Lassoued & Cyrine Khiari, 2024. "Watch me invest: Does CEO narcissism affect green innovation? CEO personality traits and eco‐innovation," Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(3), pages 486-504, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:buseth:v:33:y:2024:i:3:p:486-504
    DOI: 10.1111/beer.12621
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