Lu’s project addresses one of the most pressing global issues—climate change—by investigating how internal cultural values influence corporate carbon performance. Drawing on firm-level data from the US and analysing executive communications, Guo has found that companies with competition-oriented cultures consistently demonstrate lower carbon intensity. His work has important implications for how policymakers, investors, and managers approach environmental accountability and corporate strategy.
The MSCA Legacy award will support Guo’s participation in international conferences and facilitate engagement with industry professionals. His findings, grounded in robust textual analysis and statistical methods, offer practical guidance for integrating sustainability into strategic decision-making and for aligning corporate cultures with climate goals.
MSCA Legacy continues to support early career researchers and finance students across Greater Manchester, while also promoting financial education through school and college partnerships with providers such as MyBnk. It provides awards, scholarships and mentorship to finance and accountancy students at Greater Manchester’s universities. These bursaries include the David Illingworth Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of the former MSCA and ICAEW national president.
For further information, please contact:
Rod Sellers OBE, Director of MSCA Legacy, rodhsellers@gmail.com.
Christos Begkos, Accounting PGR Director at AMBS, Christos.Begkos@manchester.ac.uk.