Gender Diversity Research Articles

Women who money: the impact of female board members and institutional ownership on firms’ financial performance

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationship between board diversity and financial performance, examining how the presence of women on corporate boards affects metrics such as profitability. In addition, this study investigates how corporate governance and ownership structure influence gender diversity policies and the appointment of women to boards. Design/methodology/approach Two hypotheses were proposed and following regression models were developed for data analysis. The sample for this study consists of companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in five years (2015–2019). The data was extracted from the Taiwan Economic Journal Taiwan database with the final data set comprised 9,379 firm-year observations. Findings This study indicates a positive association between board diversity and financial performance. Moreover, the relationship between female directors on the board and financial performance is stronger for firms with a higher percentage of institutional investors. Originality/value By highlighting how gender-balanced boards and engaged institutional shareholders improve profitability, this study suggests that actively recruiting women directors and pursuing governance reforms that empower shareholders can pay dividends for Taiwanese companies. The results make an important contribution to the limited research on diversity's impact within Asian corporate settings.

Publication Trends and Surgeon Perceptions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gender Disparities in Craniofacial Surgery.

In academic craniofacial surgery, gender disparities exist across various metrics including faculty positions, leadership roles, and conference representation. This study benchmarks the academic productivity of craniofacial surgeons in 2022 and surveys their perspectives regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Total, first author, and senior author PubMed publications in 2022 were recorded for 193 craniofacial attendings and fellows. Craniofacial surgeons were also surveyed regarding academic experience, leadership roles, and DEI perceptions. Electronic 26 craniofacial attendings Total, first author, and senior author publication counts in 2022 Women comprised 27% (n = 53) of the craniofacial surgeon cohort. Men led total publications (81% vs 19%, p < 0.001), senior-author publications (84% vs 16%, p < 0.001), average total publications (6.6 vs 4.0, p = 0.043), and average senior-author publications (3.1 vs 1.5, p = 0.02). Sub-analysis of craniofacial fellows showed a higher proportion of women (65%) with no statistical difference in total or average publication counts. Survey responses (n = 26) included a perceived lack of female representation in academic and leadership roles. Barriers included inadequate support from current leadership, systemic issues, and biases. Recommendations for improvement included mentorship programs, targeted recruitment, and equitable conference speaker selection. Ongoing gender disparities are evident in craniofacial surgery, particularly in academic metrics. However, trends in younger cohorts exhibit more balanced gender representation, publication records, and leadership positions, indicating potential improvements. Further studies are needed to examine these cohorts more comprehensively and longitudinally. Sustained commitment, including mentorship programs and enhanced DEI efforts, is needed to continue this progress.

Analisis Wacana Stereotip Perempuan dalam Berita Kriminal di Viva.co.id

Mass media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of issues such as sexual and domestic violence. This study focuses on how text structure, word choice, and gender representation in news articles influence public understanding of violence. The aim of this research is to analyze how news about sexual violence and domestic violence constructs narratives and social responses through language use and text structure, and how gender representation affects public perception. The study employs critical discourse analysis based on Norman Fairclough's theory. Two news articles were selected for analysis: one about sexual violence in front of a young girl and one about domestic violence. The articles were examined for text structure, word choice, and gender representation to understand how they construct narratives. The analysis reveals that the news about sexual violence emphasizes the perpetrator's actions and the authorities' responses, using sensational language to create a negative image of the perpetrator. In contrast, the news about domestic violence focuses more on the victim's suffering and power dynamics, with detailed descriptions of physical and emotional abuse. Media shapes public perceptions of violence and gender through word choice and text structure.

Do Investors Value Workforce Gender Diversity?

We examine whether investors value workforce gender diversity. Consistent with the view that investors believe workforce gender diversity can be valuable in major firms, we use event studies to demonstrate that U.S. technology firms and financial firms experience more positive stock price reactions when it is revealed that they have relatively higher (versus lower) workforce gender diversity numbers. For instance, we find that Google’s revelation of relatively low workforce gender diversity numbers triggered a negative stock price reaction, whereas eBay’s revelation of relatively high workforce gender diversity numbers triggered a positive stock price reaction. These stock price reactions are both economically and statistically significant; for example, we estimate that if a technology firm had revealed gender diversity numbers that were one standard deviation higher, its market valuation would have increased by $1.11 billion. Corroborating this plausibly causal field evidence, we also find positive investor reactions to workforce gender diversity in randomized experiments using Prolific participants with investing experience; these reactions seem to be underpinned by investors’ beliefs about potential upsides of diversity for the firm (e.g., reduced legal risks; increased creativity) but not by investors’ beliefs about potential downsides of diversity for the firm (e.g., increased conflict). Our findings highlight the importance of understanding investors’ intuitions or beliefs about major organizational phenomena such as workforce gender diversity. Our results also point toward a new type of business case for diversity, driven by investors: if major firms had more workforce gender diversity, investors may “reward” them with substantially higher valuations. Funding: This research is supported by NUS (National University of Singapore) Startup Grant WBS A-0003900-00-00 to D. P. Daniels.

The composition of listed family firm boards in South Africa: Alignment to best practices and governance codes

Purpose: As elsewhere in the world, family firms (FFs) play a critical role in the South African economy. There is, however, scant research on how, if at all, listed South African FFs differ from their non-family counterparts concerning board composition and independence. The purpose of this study was to address this knowledge gap by investigating director and chair independence, chair-chief executive officer (CEO) role duality, board race and gender diversity, as well as board rotation at FFs listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) over the period 2006 to 2022. The study was informed by the agency, socioemotional wealth, and stewardship theories.Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected on 753 directors who served on the boards of 37 JSE-listed FFs. Data sources included Bloomberg and the FFs’ integrated reports and websites. Data were analysed by examining trends in the considered variables over time.Findings/results: While family involvement at board level remained relatively constant, considerably fewer family members served as board chairs and CEOs towards the end of the research period. Board independence increased significantly over the research period.Practical implications: Shareholder activists’ requests for improved board governance of JSE-listed FFs seem justified. Activists should, however, also consider the benefits of family stewardship when evaluating director and chair independence in these firms. This study also identifies practical implications for nomination committees and investor education.Originality/value: The use of multiple theoretical lenses provides a balanced view of board governance at JSE-listed FFs. The study contributes to the scant body of knowledge on board composition and independence in listed FFs in South Africa, which will enable future FF research.

Capitalizing on Diversity: The Impact of Board Gender Diversity on the Value of Excess Cash

This paper provides novel and comprehensive evidence regarding the impact of board gender diversity on the valuation of excess cash in companies. By analyzing a robust dataset of publicly listed firms in France from 2005 to 2017, the study finds that companies with a higher representation of women on their boards tend to significantly increase the value attributed to their excess cash reserves. The results suggest that investors perceive these companies as more capable of managing their cash efficiently, leading to a higher valuation. This perception likely stems from the belief that diverse boards contribute to better decision-making processes, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of cash utilization. Furthermore, the study uncovers that the positive relationship between board gender diversity and the valuation of excess cash is even more pronounced in firms that demonstrate high earnings quality. This finding underscores the importance of a transparent and reliable informational environment in strengthening the link between gender diversity and the efficient use of corporate resources. The research contributes to the broader corporate governance literature by emphasizing the critical role of board gender diversity in not only promoting effective cash management but also in increasing overall firm value through improved investor confidence and resource allocation strategies.

Being good by doing good: an analysis of audit fees, philanthropic initiatives and board gender diversity among Chinese listed firms

Purpose Despite the acknowledged significance of the relationship between audit fees and corporate philanthropic initiatives, the existing literature has not yet reached the desired level of providing explicit evidence on how this relationship can be moderated by board gender diversity. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing debate by using a panel data set comprising 905 Chinese listed firms over a five-year period from 2015 to 2019. Design/methodology/approach To generate solid findings and overcome the potential endogeneity bias, various econometric estimators, namely, ordinary least squares, two-step generalized method of moments, robust two-stage least squares and subsample analysis, have been carefully used. More interestingly, the study’s results remain consistent across different estimation methods. Findings The results reveal a statistically significant positive link between audit fees and corporate charitable giving. More interestingly, this connection strengthens with a higher representation of women directors on the board, particularly when there are three or more female directors. Furthermore, the results suggest that nonstate-owned firms exhibit greater motivation to participate in charitable giving initiatives compared to state-owned counterparts. Practical implications Stakeholders from various groups should attentively recognize the importance of gender-diverse boards as a dynamic factor impacting the association between audit fees and corporate charitable giving. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the crushing majority of the preceding research has not delved deeply into the critical role of board gender diversity in the relationship between audit fees and corporate charitable donations. Hence, this study provides a profound understanding of how audit fees predict corporate philanthropic initiatives.

Reflections on being a Thai transman through the lens of the reproductive justice framework

Transmen are a crucial gender group within the umbrella of transgender identities, yet there remains a lack of understanding regarding their gender identities and sexualities. Transmen often face challenges related to gender discrimination and inequalities, particularly in accessing government services such as healthcare and social welfare, and in securing legal recognition of their gender identity and rights. This article explores the challenges faced by transmen in Thailand. It through a discussion of the lived experiences and gender identities of Thai transmen by examining the societal context through existing literature and qualitative interviews of transmen on their own. The aim is to examine the specific local context of Thai transmen using a reproductive justice approach to examine how transmen experience gender discrimination when challenging the dominant cis-normative gender norms in Thai society. Understanding these challenges can contribute to creating fundamental knowledge for a better understanding of transmen’s identities and inform recommendations for public policies that support greater gender diversity and a more inclusive environment. Importantly, supporting legal gender recognition based on self-identified gender can promote reproductive justice for transgender people.

Organisational innovation and gender diversity: Insights from the civil engineering industry

Orientation: The civil engineering industry is vital in ensuring that infrastructure development has a beneficial social, economic, and environmental impact.Research purpose: This study explored the role of gender diversity and organisational innovation with a view to address social ills in the civil engineering industry in South Africa.Motivation for the study: The study is premised on the paucity in extant research and responds to calls for more research on the role of gender diversity and organisational innovation with a view to address social ills in the civil engineering industry.Research design, approach and method: Employing the interpretivist paradigm, 15 civil engineering professionals were purposively selected based on their extensive experience and comprehensive deep knowledge of the industry and interviewed using the semi-structured approach of interviews using the Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) platform. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts.Main findings: From thematic analysis, the following themes emerged from the primary data: skewed gender representation, females’ retention challenges, creation of an inclusive environment, building a strategic female structure, inclusive innovation, and role models and mentors’ deficit.Practical and/or managerial implications: The civil engineering industry needs to empower women occupying positions of power and not just fill the numbers through the removal of the male gatekeeping effect as the current status shows male dominance. It is also critical to create an inclusive environment, grow the pool of females to build the numbers critical for gender diversity, particularly at the top, and promote mentorship opportunities.Contributions and/or value add: This article advances knowledge on the role of gender diversity and organisational innovation with a view to address social ills in the civil engineering industry and exposes the shared patriarchal values that many organisations appear to promote. It further highlights that society still struggles with infrastructure that does not address its needs and points the civil engineering industry towards the current skill sets and experiences of its female workforce, and how to leverage those capabilities to benefit the industry and the entire society.

Corporate anticorruption disclosure and earnings management: the moderating role of board gender diversity

Corporate anticorruption disclosure and earnings management: the moderating role of board gender diversity

THE INFLUENCE OF PRESENCE OF FEMALE IN BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND AUDIT COMMITTEE TOWARDS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIAN PUBLIC COMPANIES

<p><strong>Background: </strong> Diversity on corporate boards and strong audit committees are essential for good corporate governance, and promoting gender diversity, particularly increasing the number of women on boards, has been proven to enhance overall business performance.</p><p><strong>Objective</strong>: This study aims to investigate whether the presence of women in the board of directors and audit committee affects the financial performance of Indonesian public companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The study uses a purposive sampling method to select 670 companies from financial statements listed on IDX from 2019 to 2021, excluding the financial industry.</p><p><strong>Research Method</strong>: The study employed multiple linear regression analysis with a fixed effect model and an ordinary least square (OLS) model to assess ROA and PER. Recognizing the presence of heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation issues, the regression was adjusted using Robust Standard Error for standardization.</p><p><strong>Research Result</strong>: This study shows that having women on the board of directors positively influences Return on Assets (ROA) and negatively influences Price-to-Earnings Ratio (PER). Although the study did not find a significant influence of women on the audit committee, it suggests that the presence of women on boards of directors can potentially improve companies' financial performance.</p><p><strong>Research Originality/Novelty</strong>: The authors emphasize that their study fills a gap in the literature by examining the impact of female presence in board of directors and audit committees on financial performance in Indonesian public companies.</p>

Does board gender diversity affect bank financial stability? Evidence from a transitional economy

Does board gender diversity affect bank financial stability? Evidence from a transitional economy

Board gender diversity and corporate environmental performance: The moderating effects of resource slack

Board gender diversity and corporate environmental performance: The moderating effects of resource slack

Female directors and cash holdings: The case of Vietnam

This study investigates the impact of gender equality on corporate cash reserves, focusing on the roles women occupy on corporate boards. Using data from 325 publicly listed companies in Vietnam between 2020 and 2022, the research employs various statistical models, including ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed-effect model (FEM), random-effect model (REM), and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), to address heteroscedasticity. The findings reveal that the presence of female directors on corporate boards is significantly associated with lower cash reserves, suggesting that gender diversity influences cash management practices. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the role of female directors in enhancing a firm's financial flexibility. It underscores the importance of creating an equitable workplace for female employees and provides insights into the benefits of gender diversity in corporate governance. The research specifically examines the Vietnamese context, reflecting the global trend towards gender diversity in corporate leadership. Regression analysis shows a significant negative relationship between the proportion of female CFOs and cash holdings, indicating that firms with more female CFOs tend to hold less cash. These findings have important implications for policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders by demonstrating the potential of female directors to shape financial policies and reduce risks associated with representative issues.

Gender diversity in construction: demystifying the pipeline leaks in Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Brazil

Globally, the construction industry is a key contributor to the gross domestic product. However, compared to the gender diversity performance of the workforce in the world economy, historically, construction has been performing significantly poorly. Literature argued that these consistently poor performances in diversity, equity and inclusion were causing leaks in the education and career pipeline. However, a systematic investigation with evidence base was lacking. In this vacuum, the proposed study aims to explore the evolution of gender dynamics within the construction sector in Australia, United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil through quantitative evidence. This study collected industry gender representation data, gender pay gaps and tertiary degrees conferred from government agencies in four countries: Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Quantitative data analysis was conducted with an exploration of factual figures, significant trajectories and fluctuations. Results were explored to understand local jurisdictions’ possible causal relationships and interventions. Delving into findings from the education pipeline revealed declining trends and alarming opportunities for the education institutions to take a lead role in moving from a “challenge leaky pipeline” towards a “shared solution space” through international cross-sectorial collaborations with the paradigm shift in the construction industry with the emerging fifth industrial revolution.

Corporate governance and firm performance in Vietnam: The moderating role of digital transformation

This study examines the interplay between corporate governance mechanisms and firm performance in the Vietnamese context, with a particular focus on the moderating role of digital transformation. Utilizing a sample of 150 Vietnamese firms in 2023, the study employs a GMM approach to analyze the relationship between board characteristics (size, independence, duality, gender diversity, meeting frequency, and nationality diversity), digital transformation, and firm performance, proxied by ROA, ROE, and EPS. The findings reveal that board size and CEO duality positively influence firm performance. Notably, the positive impact of gender diversity on performance is amplified by digital transformation. While digital transformation exhibits a standalone positive effect on performance, its moderating role on other governance mechanisms is mixed. These results underscore the importance of effective corporate governance practices, particularly in the context of digital transformation, for enhancing firm performance in the Vietnamese market.

Corporate Governance On Financial Report Timeliness Among Quoted Non-Financial Firms In Nigeria

The study seeks to examine the effect of corporate governance on financial report timeliness among quoted non-financial firms in Nigeria between the periods of 2013-2022. Specifically, there are twenty one (21) consumer goods firms and thirteen (13) industrial goods firms listed in the Nigerian Exchange Group as at 31st December, 2023 respectively. The study purposively selected ten (10) consumer goods firms and seven (7) industrial goods firms within the reviewed periods. The variables used to measure corporate governance are: board size (BBS), board composition (BOC), board expertise (BOP) and Board Gender Diversity (BGD) while regressed, and financial report timeliness (FRT). The Hausman test evidenced that, the random effect model is the most appropriate model for the study. The study reported that board size has a negative significant effect on financial report timeliness while has a positive insignificant effect on financial report timeliness (FRT). Both board gender diversity and board expertise have positive effect on financial report timeliness (FRT).

Sex-based misconduct, media exposure, and gender diversity: evidence from the US information technology boards of directors

Sex-based misconduct, media exposure, and gender diversity: evidence from the US information technology boards of directors

Dissecting Gender Bias: Critical Discourse Analysis of Advertisements in Indonesia

This research aims to identify gender equality issues by deconstructing the meaning of gender equality in advertisements from a feminist perspective through Critical Discourse Analysis. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research design with a Critical Discourse Analysis approach developed by Fairclough, which focuses on three main dimensions: textual dimension (microstructural), text production practice dimension (mesostructural), and socio-cultural practice dimension (macrostructural). Research data were obtained through interviews with informants as well as from advertisements related to gender equality aired on YouTube. Data collection techniques include interviews and the method of free listening and listening (SBLC) with note-taking techniques. The data collected was then analyzed using triangulation and deconstruction methods to reveal the ideology contained in the ad text and compare it with the informants' views. The results of this study show that societal norms often undermine women's abilities and limit women's roles to the domestic domain or as companions to their husbands. This research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the meaning of gender equality in advertising media and help build a new perspective that is more inclusive and acceptable to society in Indonesia. The phenomenon of gender equality remains a challenge in many countries, including Pakistan and Nigeria, although the approaches and responses to this inequality differ in each country. In Pakistan, gender representations in media and advertising tend to reinforce traditional stereotypes, while in Nigeria, women are more active in fighting inequality through platforms such as blogs, which are used to criticize patriarchy and fight for social change. Deconstructing meaning in advertising allows researchers and academics to critically evaluate whether gender equality always places men in a dominant position over women, thus opening space for deeper analysis and more equitable solutions.

Women and circular transition in agri‐food industry: The commitment to gender diversity as an engine of change

Women and circular transition in agri‐food industry: The commitment to gender diversity as an engine of change