In this three-essay dissertation I explore the extent to which individual differences, specifically narcissism, in CEOs might be useful for advancing the understanding of executive behavior. I begin by discussing the nature of narcissism. Next, I develop propositions relating CEO narcissism to...

One of the most prevalent assumptions regarding chief executive officer (CEO) compensation is that the most talented CEOs will command premium pay on the executive labor market. From an economics perspective, this statement is self-evident; the existence of a reasonably efficient labor market...

This dissertation examines cross-national differences in the extent to which CEOs matter to firm outcomes. To address this issue, I build on the construct of managerial discretion, or latitude of action. Most research in this domain has focused on the firm-level and industry-level factors that...

This dissertation consists of three essays on CEO replacement in turnaround situations. The first essay aims to understand the antecedents of CEO dismissal in turnaround situations. I develop a model of CEO dismissal as a social framing contest, in which key plays try to convince and mobilize...