It's not easy being green: How chief sustainability officers and their competence affects sustainability reporting

Levi Van Dalen

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study examines the influence of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) on the extent and quality of sustainability reporting within firms. The quantity of reporting was assessed using a disclosure score that measures the volume of reported data, while the quality was evaluated based on external assurance practices and adherence to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. This research specifically analysed the impact of the presence of a CSO, the role association with the CEO or CFO, and their competence in sustainability on these reporting metrics. The findings reveal a consistently positive association between CSOs and the adoption of GRI standards. However, the effects on reporting volume and assurance practices showed mixed results, suggesting the presence of CSOs assigned for symbolic reasons. These outcomes underscore the complexity of reasoning behind appointment of CSOs and highlight the need for further research and definition of the ‘symbolic CSO’.

Abstract:

This study examines the influence of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) on the extent and quality of sustainability reporting within firms. The quantity of reporting was assessed using a disclosure score that measures the volume of reported data, while the quality was evaluated based on external assurance practices and adherence to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. This research specifically analysed the impact of the presence of a CSO, the role association with the CEO or CFO, and their competence in sustainability on these reporting metrics. The findings reveal a consistently positive association between CSOs and the adoption of GRI standards. However, the effects on reporting volume and assurance practices showed mixed results, suggesting the presence of CSOs assigned for symbolic reasons. These outcomes underscore the complexity of reasoning behind appointment of CSOs and highlight the need for further research and definition of the ‘symbolic CSO’.

Keywords

Sustainability reporting, Stakeholder theory, Upper echelons theory, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sustainability competence

Keywords

Sustainability reporting, Chief Sustainability Officer, Upper echelons theory, Stakeholder theory, Sustainability competence

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 5. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 10. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: Ladislav Tyll
• Reader: Natálie Bruder Badie

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
Management