Breaking barriers: CEOs STEM educational background and corporate climate change disclosure

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the association between chief executive officer (CEO) educational backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and climate change disclosure within Indonesian companies. Design/methodology/approach Using data spanning from 2017 to 2022 from all publicly traded companies, the study uses ordinary least squares with fixed effects and robust standard error to evaluate the proposed hypothesis. In addition, a series of endogeneity tests are incorporated to bolster the robustness of the findings. Findings The study reveals that CEOs with a STEM educational background are more inclined to participate in corporate climate change disclosure compared to their counterparts with a non-STEM background. These results emphasize the significant role CEO educational backgrounds play in shaping a company’s approach to sustainability, specifically in the realm of climate change disclosure. The insights gleaned from this research hold valuable implications for various stakeholders, including top management and investors aiming to enhance corporate sustainability. Recognizing the influence of CEO characteristics, particularly a STEM educational background, proves pivotal in improving corporate climate change disclosure. Stakeholders can leverage this understanding to formulate and implement effective strategies toward realizing a company’s sustainability vision. Originality/value Notably, this study stands out as it was conducted within the context of Indonesia, a nation actively encouraging nonsocial graduates to assume crucial positions within the Republic of Indonesia.