Do academic executives influence corporate <scp>ESG</scp> performance? Evidence from <scp>China</scp>

Abstract Academic executives exert a unique influence on Chinese corporate governance. By integrating upper echelons and imprinting theories, our study highlights the significant role of academic executives in improving corporate ESG performance, especially those with a background in scientific disciplines and experience in universities and research institutions. Our analysis shows that academic executives improve ESG performance by promoting ESG decision synergy within management teams, mitigating financial constraints, and promoting green innovation. Moreover, our investigation suggests that academic executives' expertise in ESG issues positively moderates their influence on ESG performance, while their levels of power and compensation exhibit an inverted U‐shaped moderating effect. Further tests show that academic executives reduce greenwashing scores and issue more accurate performance predictions after ESG improvements driven by academic executives, debunking the notion that such improvements are merely cosmetic. In light of these findings, we argue for greater involvement of academics in corporate functions and call on them to act as leaders and advocates for sustainability, driving improvements in corporate ESG performance.