Title: Gender diversity on corporate boards: does it really make a difference?

Authors: M. Luisa López-Pérez

Addresses: Facultad de Administración y Dirección de Empresas, University of Santiago de Compostela, Avda. Alfonso X El Sabio, s/n, 27002, Lugo, Spain

Abstract: Corporate boards are responsible for setting the principles of corporate governance that determine corporate performance. The role of corporate boards and their effectiveness depend on their composition. This research analyses how the presence of women on boards affects their governance and, as a result, financial and CSR performance. The results reveal that women bring unique values and skills to corporate boards, which may contribute to board functions and influence organisational outcomes on behalf of shareholders and stakeholders. However, their presence on boards is relatively low. This research investigates the conditions that may determine their proposals as board members. The findings seem to indicate that their contributions to corporate boards are not considered when they are appointed. This research expands the literature about gender diversity and provides arguments to promote the presence of women on corporate boards.

Keywords: gender diversity; corporate governance; corporate boards; board governance; financial performance; CSR performance; firm reputation; gender egalitarian boards; appointment of women directors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGFI.2022.123898

International Journal of Governance and Financial Intermediation, 2022 Vol.1 No.3, pp.219 - 235

Received: 26 Nov 2021
Accepted: 10 Feb 2022
Published online: 04 Jul 2022 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article