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Corporate Governance and Sustainability Research Cluster (CGS).


The Corporate Governance and Sustainability Research Cluster (CGS) is a multidisciplinary hub dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of responsible governance and sustainability in diverse organizational contexts. Rooted in principles of leadership development and innovative research, the CGS cluster provides a dynamic platform for researchers, students, and industry practitioners to collaboratively address global challenges such as environmental sustainability, ethical leadership, and inclusive development. Through pioneering scholarship and impactful engagement, CGS aims to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and real-world application, contributing to the creation of sustainable and equitable business practices worldwide. The cluster is led by Dr Sean Starr and Dr Roya Rahimi.

Vision Statement

To lead in transformative research and leadership development that fosters excellence in corporate governance and sustainability, driving impactful solutions to societal and environmental challenges.

Defining Corporate Governance and Sustainability

Corporate Governance and Sustainability is a comprehensive system by which organizations are directed, controlled, and held accountable, ensuring that they operate ethically, transparently, and responsibly. It involves balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders—including shareholders, employees, customers, and communities—while prioritizing environmental preservation, economic viability, and social equity. This dual focus aligns organizational practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to foster inclusive growth, climate resilience, and societal well-being.

This approach contributes to several UNSDGs by:

  • Ensuring Accountability and Transparency (Goal 16): Strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting ethical governance.
  • Fostering Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12): Encouraging sustainable practices across organizational value chains.
  • Advancing Climate Action (Goal 13): Mitigating environmental impacts through responsible resource management.
  • Promoting Economic Growth and Decent Work (Goal 8): Driving sustainable business practices that support equitable development and employment.
  • Achieving Social Equity (Goals 5 & 10): Ensuring diversity, inclusion, and equality in governance and organizational culture.

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Key Areas

  1. Foster Collaborative Research: Build a vibrant and collegial environment where researchers, postgraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows collaborate on interconnected topics within governance and sustainability.
  2. Promote Responsible Research: Conduct and disseminate innovative research aligned with the principles of Responsible Research in Business and Management (RRBM), with a focus on ethical leadership and sustainability.
  3. Attract Funding: Secure national and international research funding to advance collaborative, multidisciplinary research with measurable societal impact.
  4. Support Professional Development: Cultivate leadership and career development opportunities for researchers and students, empowering them to influence corporate governance and sustainability practices globally.
  5. Engage External Stakeholders: Actively involve businesses, policymakers, and community stakeholders to promote good governance and sustainable practices.
  6. Enhance Societal Impact: Conduct research that addresses critical societal issues, particularly in resource-constrained economies, and contribute to creating sustainable organizations and communities.

  • Corporate Governance:
    • Comparative Corporate Governance
    • Governance of Diverse Organizations
    • Board Roles, Performance, and Behaviour
    • Board Diversity: Antecedents and Impacts
    • Personality Traits of Directors and Board Effectiveness
    • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Governance
    • Business Elites and Leadership
  • Sustainability:
    • Business and Sustainability
    • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
    • Environmental and Social Reporting
    • Role of Business in Green Economies
    • Sustainable Development and Tourism
    • Sustainability in SMEs and Emerging Markets
  • Leadership and Development:
    • Ethical and Responsible Leadership
    • Leadership in Governance Practices
    • Leadership Development for Sustainable Futures
    • Business-State Relations and International Development

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