Stem Chief Sustainability Officer and Interfirm Imitation In Water Reduction Target Decisions

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Keywords: STEM; Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs); water reduction targets; frequency-based imitation; outcome-based imitation.

Abstract: The role of chief sustainability officers (CSOs) with specific qualifications, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), in shaping the diffusion and adoption of water reduction target-setting remains poorly understood–particularly in Asia, where knowledge-based leadership positions are uncommon. This study synthesizes upper echelons theory, the attention-based view of the firm, with organizational learning theories to investigate the influence of CSOs with STEM educational backgrounds (i.e., STEM CSOs) on the differential diffusion of water reduction target-setting within industries. Drawing on a sample from Taiwan, this study finds that firms having STEM CSOs have significantly stronger tendencies than others to choose outcome-based imitation. Meanwhile, these firms are more resistant to frequency-based imitation than others.