Regulating for gender equality in business: the law on gender quotas and the network of interlocking directorates in Norway, 2008–2016

Abstract

This article analyses effects of the law of gender quotas for company boards in Norway on the network of interlocking directorates in the period 2008–2016. It is argued that these networks are important regarding gender equality and diversity. Analysis of the regulated corporations (Public Limited Companies – PLCs) shows that female directors get and keep central positions in the networks during this period. Exploring possible impact on networks among non-regulated Private Limited Companies (Ltds) shows no similar effects. Thus, although the justification for the law is general, there are no notable spillover effects. However, women are central in the overall network (based on both PLCs and Ltds), since most of the network ties are among PLCs. Thus, the quota law seems effective in challenging the male-dominated networks in business, but several caveats to such a conclusion are discussed.