The military imprint: military experience and ESG performance in Chinese enterprises

Ruichao Yu, Ling Zhou, Xinyi Wu and Yingyue Tang ()
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Ruichao Yu: Guangxi Normal University
Ling Zhou: Guangxi Normal University
Xinyi Wu: Guangxi Normal University
Yingyue Tang: Guangxi Normal University

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract This study conducts an empirical examination of the effect of executives’ military experience on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of Chinese listed manufacturing firms over the period 2014–2023. Particular attention is given to variations across executive positions and the duration of military service. The results indicate that executives with military backgrounds typically possess attributes such as patriotism, commitment, and long-term strategic orientation. These imprinted characteristics exert a persistent influence on cognitive frameworks and managerial behavior, thereby contributing to superior ESG outcomes. Sub-sample analyses focusing on heavily polluting industries and the defense sector reveal a more pronounced effect, underscoring the contextual salience of military experience. To mitigate concerns of endogeneity, a propensity score matching approach is employed, and the findings remain robust. This evidence lends empirical support to imprint theory and upper echelons theory, demonstrating that the distinct experiential imprints of executives significantly shape corporate ESG practices and their recognition of broader social responsibilities.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-06000-6

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