Are CEO successors more likely to implement environmentally responsible behavior? Empirical evidence from listed companies in China

Guiyu Bai, Peng Xu and Delin Meng ()
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Guiyu Bai: University of Jinan
Peng Xu: Shandong University of Finance and Economics
Delin Meng: Dalian University of Technology

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Under the current background of “coordination between environmental protection and economic and social development”, how enterprises should respond to the national call to enhance environmental awareness, effectively fulfil environmental responsibilities, and drive their own development has become a widespread concern. Based on the impression management theory and the “quick win” hypothesis, this paper focuses on the micro level of the enterprise, empirically tests the influence effect of CEO succession on corporate environmental responsibility (CER), as well as the moderating effect of external analyst coverage and former CEO tenure. The results indicate that CEO succession has a negative impact on corporate environmental responsibility, and both external analyst coverage and the tenure of predecessor CEOs strengthen the negative effect of CEO succession on CER. The findings extend the application of impression management theory and, from the perspective of corporate governance practice, provide new insights and empirical evidence for enhancing environmental responsibility awareness, understanding the behavioral motivations behind CEO succession, and offering guidance for boards of directors in establishing scientifically comprehensive performance evaluation systems.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04687-1

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