This research rigorously interrogates the multifaceted nexus between \(CEO\) narcissism, a psychological construct characterized by grandiosity, an insatiable need for adulation, a predisposition toward dominance, and voluntary corporate social responsibility ( \(CSR\) ) disclosure, with a particular emphasis on nonlinear dynamics and the moderating influences of \(CEO\) duality and board independence. Anchored in the synergistic paradigms of upper echelons and agency theories, we posit a curvilinear, U-shaped relationship, wherein moderate narcissistic tendencies catalyze strategic \(CSR\) disclosures to bolster stakeholder legitimacy, while extreme manifestations precipitate symbolic, self-aggrandizing disclosures that risk undermining substantive sustainability commitments. Employing Granger causality tests within a vector autoregressive ( \(VAR\) ) framework, we elucidate bidirectional causal pathways, probing whether narcissistic proclivities drive disclosure decisions or whether the public approbation garnered from disclosures amplifies narcissistic behaviors. Additionally, we scrutinize the moderating roles of \(CEO\) duality—wherein the conflation of \(CEO\) and board chair roles consolidate executive power—and board independence, which enhances oversight and aligns disclosures with stakeholder imperatives. Leveraging a robust panel dataset of the Tehran Stock Exchange ( \(TSE\) ) firms from 2019 to 2024, sourced from the authoritative \(Codal\) and \(Rahavard \; databases\) , we deploy advanced econometric methodologies, including nonlinear regression and \(VAR\) models, to rigorously test these hypotheses. Our findings substantiate a U-shaped relationship, significant bidirectional causality, and divergent moderating effects: \(CEO\) duality exacerbates narcissistic influences, fostering opportunistic disclosures, while board independence attenuates these effects, promoting transparency and authenticity. These insights make seminal contributions to the \(CSR\) and corporate governance literature, offering a nuanced theoretical framework and actionable prescriptions for policymakers and practitioners to fortify governance mechanisms, ensuring veracious and impactful \(CSR\) reporting in emerging markets characterized by institutional fragility.
