SAMIBC2024 Presentation Announcement | Values that shape decisions: How do CEOs’ political philosophy impact a firm’s propensity for sustainability-oriented innovation?

The programming committee for the 79^th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Values that shape decisions: How do CEOs’ political philosophy impact a firm’s propensity for sustainability-oriented innovation? by Asmaa Nasseh.

We are thrilled to announce that the groundbreaking paper on the pivotal role of CEOs in fostering sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) within firms will be presented at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference. This research comes at a crucial time when the call for sustainable business practices is louder than ever, driven by increasing pressures from stakeholders, including NGOs, consumers, and the broader public. Their study dives deep into how companies are shifting their innovation strategies from being purely profit-driven to incorporating sustainability considerations, a transformation that is becoming inevitable in today’s changing geopolitical landscape.

Central to the authors research is the development of a multi-level model that connects the dots between a CEO’s leadership style, their value orientation, particularly political ideology (liberal versus conservative), and the firm’s engagement in SOI. Their findings reveal a nuanced landscape where the type of leadership can significantly influence a firm’s approach to sustainability. We identify two distinct responsible behaviors associated with SOI: a passive approach focused on minimizing harm through transactional leadership, and an active approach aimed at maximizing the positive impact with others, characterized by transformative leadership with an entrepreneurial flair.

The paper meticulously argues that CEOs with a liberal political ideology who exhibit active responsible behavior are more inclined to tackle broad sustainable challenges through substantial innovations. These innovations are not just about making incremental changes; they involve organizational transformation or building new systems that address sustainability at its core. Conversely, we observe that conservative CEOs tend to adopt a more passive stance towards sustainability, often driven by regulatory demands or the pursuit of win-win scenarios, thus limiting their investments in significant sustainable innovations.

The research underscores the complexity of sustainable challenges and the critical need for innovative solutions that balance conflicting issues. It highlights the crucial role of liberal-minded CEOs who can act as global citizens, navigating their firms towards a more sustainable future. The paper also explores various factors that could moderate these associations, drawing from political psychology, the dynamics between CEOs and their top management teams, and cultural dimensions.

As they prepare to share their insights at the SAM International Business Conference, we look forward to engaging with fellow academics, industry leaders, and policymakers. This presentation is not just about showcasing their findings; it’s an invitation to a broader conversation on how leadership styles and values shape the path towards sustainability in the business world. Join us as we explore the nuances of this critical issue and consider the implications for leaders striving to make a difference in an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape.

Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.