Gender diversity in leadership of listed companies

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The article attempts to characterize the management style represented by women and its impact on company management. The study aims to analyze the situation in the field of women's participation in the bodies of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in the context of the situation in the Polish labor market. Methodology: The analyzes were carried out based on data from a survey of 140 largest Polish listed companies conducted by CFA Society Poland and data published by the Central Statistical Office for 2015-2019. Main Findings: Women and men represent two different management styles. Women, representing different leadership styles, can provide new values, which will improve management and lead to an increase in the importance of enterprises. The number of educated women with high professional qualifications is increasing. However, as research shows, the share of women in management boards and supervisory boards in Poland is small. There are still large disproportions in wages between women and men and the process of unequal promotion of women to managerial positions. Applications of this study: Due to the dissemination of research results by researchers, changes to codes of good practice were initiated and many initiatives were taken around the world. Research can also contribute to the creation of organizations supporting and promoting the professional development of women, creating databases of managerial talents and extending activities promoting the participation of women in the management staff. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The issues discussed in the study and the conducted analysis of the situation of women in Poland contribute to the discussion on the equality of women in the labor market. The thematic area of ​​the problem of the low presence of women in supervisory boards and management boards should be considered poorly explored. More research is needed in this area and will allow researchers to compare results over many years.