Star CEOs and Firms' Environmental Innovation: The Role of Interdependent Self‐Construal and Risk Perception

ABSTRACT In modern technological competition, environmental innovation is key to creating a win–win situation for the economy and the environment and a driving force in achieving carbon neutrality goals. Based on role identity theory, this study establishes a research framework of “role–cognition–behavior.” In a sample of Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2012 to 2023, we analyze the relationship between star CEOs and firms' environmental innovation and explore the mediating role of interdependent self‐construal and the moderating role of risk perception. Our findings show that star CEOs can actively promote firms' environmental innovation, and this effect is mediated by interdependent self‐construal. In addition, a firm's risk perception positively moderates the relationship between star CEOs and environmental innovation. This study enriches the application of role identity theory to environmental innovation and provides an avenue for star CEOs to realize their value.