Formação acadêmica dos CEOS e as implicações nas práticas de ESG nas organizações: uma análise regional

Abstract

Contextualization: The business landscape demands that companies adopt ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and societal well-being. The experience and academic background of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) emerge as a relevant factor for corporate engagement in ESG initiatives, with the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) playing a key role in this relationship. Objective: To analyze the impact of CEOs' academic background on implementing ESG practices within companies. Method: This research investigates the relationship between sustainability practices, financial performance, and leadership characteristics in companies listed on B3 and included in the ISE. The data analysis included information on sustainability practices, financial indicators, years of experience, and the academic background of CEOs, enabling a comprehensive understanding of these interrelationships. Results: The results indicated no significant association between CEOs' academic background and company performance in the environmental and social dimensions. However, a relationship was observed between the CEOs' field of study and corporate governance. This suggests that leaders with backgrounds in Engineering or Law may be more strongly associated with adopting robust governance practices. Alignment with the PPGAdm’s area of concentration (Regionality and Management) and research line: By considering the unique characteristics of the Brazilian market and organizational culture, the study highlighted how regionality influences the relationship between CEOs' academic background and companies’ ESG practices. Impact and innovative contribution to intellectual production: Based on the Upper Echelons Theory, the research examined whether CEOs’ academic background influences companies’ adoption of ESG practices and the mechanisms through which this background operates, such as fostering a stakeholder-oriented culture and prioritizing socially responsible actions. The theoretical contribution lies in evaluating the relationship between CEOs’ education and ESG in a regional context, analyzing how such background impacts different ESG dimensions, and considering the national market’s characteristics. It offers insights for managers regarding the role of companies in society. Economic, social, and regional impact: Engaging in ESG can strengthen a company’s public image, increase consumer and employee trust, enhance financial performance, and mitigate risks related to reputation, environmental issues, and social conflicts. Regional implications: By understanding the potential positive financial outcomes of ESG practices related to CEOs’ academic background, companies may be encouraged to adopt measures that impact regional development. The research addresses Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Considering the UN 2030 Agenda: SDG 12, 16, and 17. Keywords: ESG; ISE; Stakeholders; CEO; Academic Background; Upper Echelons Theory.