To make us truly human: humanities education and corporate social responsibility

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine whether CEOs with a humanities education (e.g. English/literature, philosophy, history, languages, religion, visual arts, or performing arts) exhibit higher levels of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within their firms than those who have studied other disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an empirical examination of S&P 500 CEOs’ undergraduate education and their firms’ level of CSR as measured by Kinder, Lydenberg & Domini (KLD).

Findings

CEO undergraduate humanities education is associated with higher levels of CSR even after accounting for several firm- and individual level controls. In addition, the CSR dimensions of community and diversity were found to be key drivers of the association.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited in understanding the micro-processes of the CEOs affected by a humanities education, as it relates to CSR. However, the results imply a values-based connection that is supported by the upper echelons theory.

Practical implications

CSR-minded firms may seek out humanities-educated executives. In addition, the results would suggest a need for humanities education despite the recent waning interest.

Originality/value

First, the findings of Manner (2010) will be confirmed using a different sample. Second, the humanities education and CSR relationship will be explored using a composite measure of CSR as opposed to analyzing its strengths and weaknesses separately (Manner, 2010), thus representing a holistic evaluation of the relationship. Third, previous research will be extended by examining the specific CSR dimensions (e.g. customers, employees) that are affected by a humanities education.

Citation

Roach, C.P. and Slater, D.J. (2016), "To make us truly human: humanities education and corporate social responsibility", Journal of Global Responsibility, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 181-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGR-05-2016-0014