Dr. Nicole Steller
Assistant Professor, ESCP Business School, Madrid
Co-Founder, Chief Purpose Officer Community
I study how companies turn corporate purpose into strategy, and the leaders who make it happen.
- Nsteller@escp.eu
- www.chief-purposeofficer.com
- LinkedIn Contact
About me
I am a qualitative researcher in strategy and organization. My work examines how for-profit firms commit to a corporate purpose, how they translate it into decisions and practices, and when these commitments become credible to employees and stakeholders.
A central focus is the Chief Purpose Officer, a leadership role that a growing number of companies are creating. Alongside my research, I co-founded an international community of Chief Purpose Officers, which keeps my work in close dialogue with the executives who carry purpose into practice.
My Research Themes
Corporate Purpose & strategy
How does a purpose statement shape strategy, governance and everyday decisions? I study the tensions that emerge along the way and the mechanisms that make purpose commitments credible.
Chief Purpose Officers
Who makes purpose work inside the firm? Drawing on interviews with more than 50 Chief Purpose Officers worldwide, I examine their roles, their legitimacy and the different forms the role takes.
Responsible leadership
Inspired by the work of Prof. Pless and Prof. Maak, I think of leadership as a leader-to-stakeholder relationship. Thus, responsible leaders are actors leading with integrity and ethical behavior and involving various groups of stakeholders.
Publication Highlights
