Entrepreneurial Traits in Top Management Teams: Driving Sustainability Disclosures and Corporate Governance

Abstract

Sustainability disclosures and the personal characteristics of top management teams (TMT) have emerged as pivotal areas in corporate transparency and governance research. This bibliometric analysis bridges critical gaps by providing a review of 43 documents published between 2010 and 2021, offering insights into the intersection of sustainability and leadership characteristics. The study identifies key themes such as CSR, environmental performance, and governance structures, using co-occurrence networks and thematic maps to uncover trends and thematic evolution. By emphasizing CEO traits, board diversity, and CSR committees, the research highlights the role of TMT characteristics in influencing sustainability disclosures, addressing gaps related to the effect of leadership diversity on corporate sustainability practices. Spain leads in both publications and citations, while key contributors, including IM García-Sánchez and Qinqin Zhang, have shaped the field. The findings reveal that diverse leadership teams, particularly those with female directors, enhance sustainability practices and contribute to long-term corporate resilience. Practical implications include advancing governance mechanisms for effective disclosures and promoting inclusive leadership. Furthermore, the study provides a roadmap for future research, pinpointing emerging areas such as leadership diversity’s role in fostering sustainable growth. This work advances the understanding of governance mechanisms in sustainability, bridging theoretical and practical gaps, and offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.