The corporate governance SIG welcomes studies exploring all aspects of antecedents and consequences – of corporate governance and boards of directors. Contributions adopting a wide set of theoretical lenses and research methods are strongly encouraged as well as studies analysing corporate governance in different types of enterprises and institutional contexts, including different countries and regional cultures.
SIG OFFICERS (2025-2026):
SIG Chair: Agnieszka Słomka-Gołębiowska (Warsaw School of Economics) – aslomka@sgh.waw.pl
SIG Chair-Elect:
Development Chair Jatinder Sidhu (University of Leeds) J.S.Sidhu@leeds.ac.uk
SIG Programme Chair: Esha Mendiratta (Vlerick Business School) esha.mendiratta@gmail.com
SIG Programme Chair Elect: Sara De Masi (University of Florence) sara.demasi@unifi.it
SIG Communication and Promotion Officer: Fabian Ahrens (TU Munich) – f.k.ahrens@tum.de
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SIG STANDING TRACKS
GT02_00 – Corporate Governance General Track
Short description:
This general track welcomes cutting-edge research on all dimensions of corporate governance not explicitly covered by other SIG tracks. We invite studies exploring internal and external governance mechanisms—such as ownership structures, governance codes, board dynamics, capital and equity markets, and institutional influences. We particularly encourage work addressing emerging topics including AI, ESG, sustainability, activism, and geopolitical shifts. Multidisciplinary, behavioral, and cross-country perspectives are especially valued. By embracing diverse methods and theoretical lenses, this track aims to foster vibrant dialogue on how governance systems shape responsible leadership, strategic decision-making, and long-term organizational resilience.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 1: No poverty; Goal 2: Zero hunger; Goal 4: Quality education; Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation; Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13: Climate action; Goal 14: Life below water; Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
For more information contact:
Agnieszka Słomka-Gołębiowska , Warsaw School of Economics – aslomka@sgh.waw.pl
ST01_01/ST02_01 – Governance for purpose: Bridging Management and Law for a Responsible Corporation (co-sponsored B4S & CoGo)
Short description:
To engage corporations in systemic change to build desirable futures, the notion of purpose has spread in the managerial discourse, both to engage stakeholders and foster responsible innovation. But for purpose to be credible and support genuine corporate accountability over time, specific institutional conditions such as dedicated governance structures, and new legal frameworks are required.
We invite contributions that further our understanding of responsible corporations from various angles, including theoretical or comparative approaches to sustainable corporate governance; institutional developments in finance, innovative reporting regimes or fiduciary duties, and new legal forms of corporations, such as purpose-driven corporations or steward ownership.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 4: Quality education; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
For more information contact:
Kevin Levillain, MINES Paris, PSL University – kevin.levillain@mines-paristech.fr
ST02_02 – Corporate Governance and Executive Leadership
Short description:
Top management teams (TMTs) are among the most influential actors at the firm and society level. However, their influence on firm behavior and firm outcomes continues to be subject to much debate. Despite the large amount of existing research, results are mixed or inconclusive. In this context, understanding the role of individual executives (CEOs), TMTs and micro-dynamics within several interfaces of executives (e.g., board-TMT, CEO-TMT, CEO-Chair, LID-CEO) presents an important and growing avenue for research. This topic seeks to (a) understand what makes TMTs effective; (b) examine the relationships between board, TMT, CEOs, and other executive’ influence on firm-level outcomes.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 5: Gender equality; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
For more information contact:
Esha Mendiratta, Vlerick Business School – esha.mendiratta@gmail.com
ST02_03 – Corporate Governance and Diversity
Short description:
Diversity has shifted from aspiration to expectation worldwide. Stakeholders—employees, investors, customers, and regulators—are pressing for inclusive leadership that goes beyond counting women on boards. Building on the momentum of movements for safety and equity and the rise of data-driven accountability, firms are rethinking who leads and how decisions are made. We posit that gender-diverse boards can act as a catalyst for wider forms of diversity across the organization, creating the conditions for innovative, ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions to emerging competitive and organizational challenges.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 1: No poverty; Goal 2: Zero hunger; Goal 3: Good health and well-being for people; Goal 4: Quality education; Goal 5: Gender equality; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 10: Reducing inequalities; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13: Climate action; Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
For more information contact:
Sara De Masi, University of Florence – sara.demasi@unifi.it
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SIG TRACKS
T02_04 – Securing talent for uncertain times: diversity, governance and global challenges
Board diversity remains a pivotal and evolving theme in corporate governance research, with far-reaching implications for organizational effectiveness, ethical leadership, and societal outcomes. This track invites theoretically grounded and methodologically rigorous contributions that explore the complex dimensions of board diversity, spanning demographics, cognitive approaches, professional backgrounds, and social identities. We particularly encourage work that connects board diversity to urgent global challenges such as corporate misconduct, greenwashing, political entrenchment, geopolitical tensions, and rising populism. By critically engaging with these issues, this track aims to enhance the relevance and analytical depth of diversity research amid increasing skepticism and resistance to inclusion initiatives.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 5: Gender equality
Primary Contact:
Sara De Masi, sara.demasi@unifi.it
T02_05 – Internal & External Mechanisms of Corporate Governance
The focus in this track is on cutting-edge research concerning all aspects of internal and external governance that can influence the effective and responsible management of companies. Illustrative internal governance foci include the composition and dynamics of board of directors, impact of ownership structures on executive conduct, internal controls to promote accurate financial reporting and promote compliance, management of risk, and executive compensation. Illustrative external governance foci include market forces and the threat of hostile takeovers, oversight through the regulatory environment, and the impact of stakeholder expectations, credit rating agencies, securities analysts, and the media.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 13: Climate action
Primary Contact:
Lisanne Veter, veter@ese.eur.nl
T02_06 – Startup Governance
Startups have become central to economic innovation and growth, yet governance research remains largely focused on large, established firms. This topic explores how entrepreneurial ventures govern amidst uncertainty, rapid scaling, and evolving stakeholder pressures. We invite contributions that challenge traditional models and examine alternative mechanisms such as advisory boards, accelerator oversight, investor relations, and founder-led decision-making. How do governance roles adapt in high-growth contexts? What theories best explain board dynamics in early-stage firms? Join us in shaping a forward-looking research agenda that bridges entrepreneurship, strategy, and governance to reflect the realities of today’s dynamic venture landscape.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 4: Quality education; Goal 5: Gender equality; Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Primary Contact:
Eythor Ivar Jonsson, eythor@akademias.is
T02_07 – Corporate Governance in Today’s Business Environment
Corporate governance is being reshaped by activist investors, polarized stakeholders, digital complex disruption and global AI, creating new risks and opportunities. Coupled with mounting sustainability imperatives, these forces push firms to move beyond shareholder primacy toward stakeholder-inclusive, purpose-driven business models. This track invites research on how formal and informal governance structures evolve to embed environmental and social goals, manage AI-related and geopolitical risks, and align short-term performance with long-term value creation. We welcome studies on a variety of topics (e.g., ESG, AI, sustainability) that foster sustainable value, ethical resilience and effective oversight in turbulent times.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production; Goal 13: Climate action; Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions; Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Primary Contact:
Fabian Ahrens, f.k.ahrens@tum.de