This paper aims to address the gender imbalance in eco-innovation within firms, particularlyfocusing on the role of top managers. Drawing on Upper Echelon Theory and Social IdentityTheory, the study investigates the influence of female CEOs on the promotion of eco-innovationand examines how knowledge factors influence this relationship, especially within transitioncountries. Using a comprehensive cross-sectional dataset from the World Bank and EBRD(BEEPS), the research analyses over 12,000 firms operating across 28 European and Central Asiantransition economies. The findings show that firms led by a female CEO are less likely to engage ineco-innovation. However, the moderating effect of knowledge can complement CEO actions,though this effect varies by macro-area. The study suggests tailored strategies, emphasising theneed for knowledge-sharing networks, targeted investments in human capital, and a collaborativeorganizational culture. These strategies represent concrete steps to enhance management cap-abilities and mitigating the costs and uncertainties associated with eco-innovation process inspecific socio-economic contexts
Narrowing the eco-innovation gender divide: insights for transition economies
Ivano Dileo;
2024-01-01
Abstract
This paper aims to address the gender imbalance in eco-innovation within firms, particularlyfocusing on the role of top managers. Drawing on Upper Echelon Theory and Social IdentityTheory, the study investigates the influence of female CEOs on the promotion of eco-innovationand examines how knowledge factors influence this relationship, especially within transitioncountries. Using a comprehensive cross-sectional dataset from the World Bank and EBRD(BEEPS), the research analyses over 12,000 firms operating across 28 European and Central Asiantransition economies. The findings show that firms led by a female CEO are less likely to engage ineco-innovation. However, the moderating effect of knowledge can complement CEO actions,though this effect varies by macro-area. The study suggests tailored strategies, emphasising theneed for knowledge-sharing networks, targeted investments in human capital, and a collaborativeorganizational culture. These strategies represent concrete steps to enhance management cap-abilities and mitigating the costs and uncertainties associated with eco-innovation process inspecific socio-economic contextsI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
