Abstract

This study explores how managerial inclusiveness affects corporate innovation. Using an annual dataset of A-share Chinese listed companies from 2008 to 2021, we find that managerial inclusiveness is positively related to corporate innovation. Market competition and team heterogeneity positively moderate the relationship between managerial inclusiveness and innovation. In addition, managerial inclusiveness in state-owned enterprises plays a more significant role in promoting corporate innovation than it does in non-state-owned enterprises. By investigating the mechanism of influence, we found that inclusive managers can promote corporate innovation by relaxing internal controls and increasing corporate risk-taking.