Project Description
This research project will leverage data about leader retirements and dismissals to explore the effect that leadership changes have on sustainability performance indicators including ESG scores and sustainability goals. In addition to the negative effect of turnover on social performance shown in my preliminary analysis, I want to use qualitative methods like a textual analysis of the letters from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in sustainability reports before and after the CEO change to unpack how leadership impacts sustainability.
Prerequisites
Pre-requisites are ACCT 100 and an interest in corporate sustainability, ESG reporting, and leadership
Special Comments
Project Information (subject to change)
Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026
Estimated End Date: 7/31/2026
Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks
Maximum Number of Students Sought: 3
Research Location: On campus
Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )
Contact Information: Megan Hess (email: hessm@wlu.edu)