The effect of board gender diversity on financial and non-financial performance: evidence from Italian public universities

Abstract

IMPACT This article focuses on the value of board diversity in the university context, demonstrating the importance of ensuring that women are represented in top management teams and boards to promote good governance and superior financial performance. The findings should be used to promote gender equality and balance at all political and economic decision-making levels and to stimulate the debate on the reasons for female under-representation. Universities should be mandating a gender quota for their boards to improve overall performance.