Impact of the presence of women on public sector and private corporations in Quebec: what may be learned from the multiple discourses of board members?

Abstract

This study presents a qualitative research conducted with boards of directors in large organisations from various sectors of the Quebec economy. From a critical perspective, this research documents element related to the perceived impact of the presence of women on boards through the members discourse and the boards practices. The results show that the two types of discourse mentioned in the literature – competence and individual gendered - are present among board members. The results reveal the presence of a discourse on diversity distinct from the other two. Perceived as a catalyst for change, that discourse attaches importance to the significant impact of mixing men and women. However, in the respondents diversity discourse, few tangible changes in gender dynamic within boards are observed. This study highlights the relevance of examining the presence and impact of women on boards from a new angle with a perspective that goes beyond statistical data and multiple discourses.