STEM Chief Sustainability Officer and interfirm imitation in water reduction target decisions

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.