Gender Diversity Research Articles

The Influence of Board Gender Diversity on Firm Value: Empirical Insights from Listed Companies in China

The Influence of Board Gender Diversity on Firm Value: Empirical Insights from Listed Companies in China

The moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality

PurposeThis paper examines the moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws on a sample of US firms to examine the moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality. Firm-specific financial data come from Compustat. To measure the firms’ litigation environment, we use state-level datasets from the Lawsuit Climate Survey conducted for the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform by the Harris Poll.FindingsFindings suggest that firm litigation environment moderates gender diversity, as defined by female members on the board to subdue our first proxy for financial reporting quality (accruals-based earnings management), but our second proxy for financial reporting quality (real-activities manipulations) increases in a firm’s litigation environment. To the extent that our results hold after controlling for firms’ reputation indicates that female members on the board are sensitive to reputational loss and protect firms’ reputation in a litigation environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a specific country, limiting the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe findings provide support for promoters and advocates of gender diversity in corporate boards. Specifically, it shows the importance of gender diversity policies in business and society.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the moderating role of firms’ litigation environment on the association between gender diversity and financial reporting quality. The study provides novel evidence and shows that the litigation environment moderates gender diversity to improve financial reporting quality in the short-term (by decreasing accruals manipulation). In firms’ litigation environment, when female members on the board are restrained from engaging in accruals earnings management, they shift to value-destroying and costly real activities to maintain reputation and firm performance. To the extent that we control for the potential effects of firms’ reputation and financial performance, our findings suggest that ethical concerns are likely to drive female members on the board to produce high-quality financial reports.

Impact of Anxiety, Work-Life Balance, and Diversity on Employee Performance in Bangladesh's Hospitality Industry During COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic not only affected the mental and physical health of the people but also had a devastating effect on the work environment in almost all industries. During this pandemic, one of the most affected industries is the Hospitality sector due to severe travel restrictions, lockdowns, and isolations imposed by the authorities. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of anxiety, work life balance (WLB) and diversity (age, gender and tenure in the current organization) of the employees during this COVID-19 pandemic on their work performance in the hospitality sector. A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed among 222 respondents who are currently working in the hospitality sector of Bangladesh. Regression analysis was conducted using SPSS26 with self-rated work performance as the dependent variable and anxiety, WLB, age, gender and tenure in the current organization as the independent variables. Several tests were conducted to identify any significant impact of the independent variables on employee performance. It was found that during this COVID-19 pandemic, the work performances of the employees working in the hospitality sector are significantly impacted by their level of anxiety and diversity (age, gender and work tenure) in their current organization. The effect of WLB on work performance was found to be insignificant. The impact of anxiety on performance was negative, whereas diversity (age, gender and tenure in their current organization) have positive impact on work performance. This means employee work performance decreases as they become more anxious regarding their uncertain future in their work environment. On the other hand, their performance increases as they become aged and worked more years in their current organization. Therefore, it’s recommended that, during this crucial time of the pandemic, managers must try to bring some certainty in their work environment to minimize the anxiety level of the employees and also retain their existing employees for more years in order to enhance their work performance in the hospitality industry.

Impact of corporate governance structure on performance of listed firms: empirical evidence from Palestine

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of corporate governance structure corporate governance on a firm’s performance in the Palestinian business environment between 2016 and 2023. The specific environment of the developing Palestinian economy is the main motivation and emphasis of this investigation.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from 49 financial and non-financial firms listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange between 2016 and 2023. While the random and fixed effects estimates were utilized to be the most suitable for this particular investigation, they were used to undertake the data analysis procedure. The study employed two-stage least squares (2SLS) to assess the robustness and correctness of data to bolster the findings and subsequent implications.FindingsThe findings show that the return on equity, a measure of corporate performance, was positively but not significantly impacted by the presence of women on the executive boards of Palestinian companies. This suggests that the variable in question had no bearing on the success of the firms. In terms of moderating influence, corporate governance structure had no bearing on the link between dual chief executives, institution ownership, government ownership, independent directors and firm performance. Family ownership and board size had negative, significant impacts on performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitations of this study are that it focuses exclusively on manufacturing firms listed on the Palestine Exchange (PEX) over a seven-year period, which limits its generalizability to other industries and regions. Furthermore, due to a lack of data, the model did not account for global diversity on boards of directors.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research help managers understand how management structures impact business success and provide regulatory authorities with insights into gender diversity and corporate governance legislation in Palestine. It suggests enhancing company performance, competitiveness and capital acquisition by improving governance information quality, building investor confidence, raising standards and reforming governance systems.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by enhancing the understanding of how corporate governance and gender diversity affect the financial performance of listed firms, addressing a research gap in the Palestinian market. It is one of the few studies examining company performance during political turmoil, specifically focusing on the increased role of women on Palestinian boards.

Netflix teen series and the globalization of difference

This contribution discusses what we term the globalization of difference: the fluency with which subscription video-on-demand services such as Netflix move between different cultural universes while remaining a distinctive point of anchorage for (local) audiences. We argue that, in the streaming era, the use of diversity and the emphasis on categories of differences has become an aspect of conspicuous localism, a way of articulating a strong sense of local authenticity with a cosmopolitan outlook on the world. Therefore, this contribution explores how global narratives around diversity—gender and sexuality in particular—are tailored to local contexts and audiences. Based on a textual analysis of three Netflix teen original series, we highlight how, as subscription video-on-demand service such as Netflix balance global dimension with local ambitions, cultural diversity becomes a key tool of transnational expansion, supporting the transnational circulation of texts while appealing to the distinct concerns and preferences of local audiences.

Anxiety, work-life balance and diversity (age, gender and tenure) of the employees working in the hospitality industry during COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on self-rated performance

Anxiety, work-life balance and diversity (age, gender and tenure) of the employees working in the hospitality industry during COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on self-rated performance

How the interaction between board gender diversity and ESG shapes dividend policy

How the interaction between board gender diversity and <scp>ESG</scp> shapes dividend policy

Exploring the role of sex hormones and gender diversity in multiple sclerosis.

Sex and sex hormones are thought to influence multiple sclerosis (MS) through effects on inflammation, myelination and neurodegeneration, and exogenous hormones have been explored for their therapeutic potential. However, our understanding of how sex hormones influence MS disease processes and outcomes remains incomplete. Furthermore, our current knowledge is derived primarily from studies that focus exclusively on cisgender populations with exclusion of gender-diverse people. Gender-affirming hormone therapy comprising exogenous sex hormones or sex hormone blocking agents are commonly used by transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and it could influence MS risk and outcomes at various stages of disease. A better understanding of the impact and potential therapeutic effects of both endogenous and exogenous sex hormones in MS is needed to improve care and outcomes for cisgender individuals and, moreover, for gender-diverse populations wherein an evidence base does not exist. In this Perspective, we discuss the effects of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones in MS, including their potential therapeutic benefits, and examine both established sex-based dimorphisms and the potential for gender-diverse dimorphisms. We advocate for future research that includes gender-diverse people to enhance our knowledge of the interplay of sex and sex hormones in MS, leading to the development of more effective and inclusive treatment strategies and improvement of care for all individuals with MS.

What factors influence research impact? An empirical study on the interplay of research, publications, researchers, institutions, and national conditions

ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigates key factors contributing to research impact and their interactions with the Research Impact Quintuple Helix Model by Arsalan et al. (2024). Design/methodology/approach Using data from a global survey of 630 scientists across diverse disciplines, genders, regions, and experience levels, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to assess the influence of 29 factors related to researcher characteristics, research attributes, publication strategies, institutional support, and national roles. Findings The study validated the Quintuple Helix Model, uncovering complex interdependencies. Institutional support significantly affects research impact by covering leadership, resources, recognition, and funding. Researcher attributes, including academic experience and domain knowledge, also play a crucial role. National socioeconomic conditions indirectly influence research impact by supporting institutions, underscoring the importance of conducive national frameworks. Research limitations While the study offers valuable insights, it has limitations. Although statistically sufficient, the response rate was below 10%, suggesting that the findings may not fully represent the entire global research community. The reliance on self-reported data may also introduce bias, as perceptions of impact can be subjective. Practical implications The findings have a significant impact on researchers aiming to enhance their work’s societal, economic, and cultural significance, institutions seeking supportive environments, and policymakers interested in creating favourable national conditions for impactful research. The study advocates for a strategic alignment among national policies, institutional practices, and individual researcher efforts to maximise research impact and effectively address global challenges. Originality/value By empirically validating the Research Impact Quintuple Helix Model, this study offers a holistic framework for understanding the synergy of factors that drive impactful research.

The role of Gender in Information Service delivery among Librarians in the Era of Information and Communication Technology

The paper explored the role of gender in information service delivery among librarians in the era of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) using systematic review. Articles considered for this systematic review study include articles between the year range of 2000 and 2021, and information and materials used cuts across journal articles, books, and other online materials addressing the important issues that focus on this study. In addition, content analysis was deployed and information resources obtained were grouped into the major themes of the research objectives to address the objective of the study. The findings revealed that gender gap actually exists among librarians in the iinformation service delivery in the era of Information and Communication Technology. However, this may occur in different proportions that tend to favour the male librarians especially with regards to holding key positions such as supervisors, administrators and act as know-it-all librarians and demonstrate a high level of intellectual prowess couple with their proficiency in technology usage while the females hold lower positions in the libraries. But few women rise to hold supervisors, administrators, and other leadership positions. This has actually affected the motivation for women to embark on various career enhancement programmes and activities. Therefore, the study recommends that libraries should work to reverse gender stereotypes that could allow for upward mobility, and increase gender diversity among librarians and also focus on women empowerment with various technology and programming skills that would close the gender gap among librarians.

Exploring how Parents can Promote Gender Diversity in South African High Schools

By examining the voices of parents regarding the extent to which South African high schools maintain a cisnormative culture, this paper aims to explore how parents' understanding of gender can play a role in promoting gender diversity. Drawing on a qualitative study conducted in the Free State Province of South Africa and framed by both Queer Theory and the African philosophy of Ubuntu. A focus group interview was employed to interview nine parents. Consistent with many international studies on the experiences of parents regarding gender diversity in high schools, this paper found that most of the parents’ views were influenced by cultural and religious backgrounds. The results reveal that parents' understanding of gender can play a role in promoting gender diversity in South African high schools. Results further reveal an emerging understanding that gender diversity is real, not mythical. This paper calls for more research to examine how parents can help others to embrace gender diversity through various school platforms to accelerate parental support of trans learners. Lastly, the Department of Basic Education can formulate a policy that will assist schools in engaging parents to support schools in promoting gender diversity.

Empowerment or ornament? Gender diversity’s impact on cash holdings amid quota enforcement in an emerging market

PurposeThis study examines the impact of female directors on cash holdings in Egyptian listed firms, particularly in light of Decree 123/2019, which mandates female board representation. This study aims to determine if female directors mitigate agency conflicts related to cash holdings and how these dynamics shift post-quota implementation.Design/methodology/approachUsing a panel fixed-effects model, the research analyzes 1,563 firm-year observations from 223 non-financial Egyptian firms listed on the EGX between 2014 and 2022. The robustness of the findings is tested through additional analyses using alternative proxies for cash holdings, different sample periods and a two-stage least squares approach to address endogeneity concerns.FindingsThis study finds a significant negative association between female directors and cash holdings, suggesting that female board members may promote more conservative cash management practices. However, this relationship weakens post-quota implementation, becoming statistically insignificant. This implies that while quotas increase female representation, they do not necessarily enhance corporate governance effectiveness regarding cash management. The pre-quota positive link between female directors and excess cash holdings also becomes insignificant post-quota.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on female directors’ impact on cash holdings, excluding potential effects on other board subcommittees or functions. It does not capture long-term benefits of increased female representation, which may emerge as the pool of qualified female directors grows. Future research should explore broader implications of gender diversity guidelines and other diversity dimensions across various corporate governance aspects and institutional contexts.Originality/valueThis research provides empirical evidence from an emerging market context on the understudied impact of gender diversity on cash holdings. It critically evaluates the unintended consequences of mandatory gender quotas, highlighting the complexity of regulatory interventions in corporate governance. The study stresses the need for policymakers to address factors limiting the effectiveness of such quotas and to consider potential suboptimal outcomes when increasing female board representation without a corresponding increase in the supply of qualified female directors.

Care of the Transgender Surgical Client: A Video Simulation for Baccalaureate Nursing Students.

Nursing curriculum lacks content addressing care of transgender (trans) individuals. Gender diversity in health care education must be enhanced to prevent discrimination and systemic biases. A shared session between pediatric and medical-surgical courses using an interactive video simulation facilitated student preparation to provide inclusive care for trans surgical clients. Considerations for recruiting a cisgender person vs. a trans person to portray the female-to-male trans client are discussed. Script development and filming of the three videos, including the expected student preparation and the interactive classroom session, is examined. The observed experiences of the student participants and their reactions to the session are described. Discrimination and systemic biases can be minimized when nursing students are exposed to curricula that address the needs of marginalized populations. Use of video simulation in the classroom setting should be considered a valid teaching strategy for more topics in nursing and general health care curriculum. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].

Determinants of Resilience Practices among Small Business Owners in Lagos State, Nigeria

Entrepreneurial resilience is crucial for the sustainability of small businesses in the dynamic and challenging environment of Lagos State. This study investigates the impact of business duration, business size, academic qualifications, and women’s participation in business on the resilience and adaptability of small business owners. The sample comprised 422 small business owners selected from five major markets in Lagos State: Bariga Market, Oyingbo Market, Computer Village, Ikotun Market, and Igando Market, using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure diverse representation across various business sectors. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using regression analysis. The results indicate a strong positive relationship between business duration and resilience, explaining 47.6% of the variance (R² = 0.476, p &lt; 0.001), suggesting that longer operational history significantly enhances resilience through accumulated experience and strategic coping mechanisms. A moderate positive relationship was found between business size and resilience, accounting for 32.1% of the variance (R² = 0.321, p = 0.036), implying that larger businesses with more employees are better equipped to handle challenges due to greater resource capacity. Additionally, academic qualifications were found to be a significant predictor of adaptability, explaining 41.7% of the variance (R² = 0.417, p = 0.031), indicating that higher educational attainment improves business owners’ ability to adapt to environmental changes. Women’s participation in business also showed a positive influence on resilience, accounting for 26.9% of the variance (R² = 0.269, p &lt; 0.001), highlighting the role of gender diversity in fostering resilience. These findings underscore the importance of experience, business size, education, and gender diversity in building resilience and adaptability among small business owners in Lagos State. ...

Skinfolk, but Not Kinfolk? Paradoxical Representation Among Ethnic Minority Conservative Political Elites in the UK

As the number of ethnic minority politicians increase across countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, so too have instances in which these officeholders act against the communities they descriptively represent. In this contribution, we introduce the concept of paradoxical representation which we argue functions through neoliberal, post-racial scripts of color-blindness and meritocracy. Similar to research on gender representation which calls into question assumptions that substantive representation will follow unproblematically from women’s descriptive representation (Celis and Childs 2012), we argue that ethnic minority representatives can act as “post-racial gatekeepers.” This means paradoxically working against rather than for marginalized ethnic minority groups (Saini, Bankole, and Begum 2023). Through political discourse and policymaking, these representatives construct and “gatekeep” hegemonic ideas around race, racism, gender, and migration.

Voices of Resistance: Gender, Power, and Agency in Mising Folktales

Abstract This paper examines the representation of gender, power, and agency in Mising folktales, with a focus on women's roles within a patriarchal society. Drawing on feminist theoretical frameworks, including Simone de Beauvoir's concept of "the Other" and Gayatri Spivak's subaltern agency, the study reveals how these narratives critique traditional gender dynamics and highlight moments of female resilience and resistance. Mising folktales such as KarpunPuli and Misings Migrated to the Plains showcase women as nurturers, strategists, and agents of change, challenging societal constraints and reimagining gender roles. Themes of survival, kinship, and ecological balance interweave with symbols of female empowerment, reflecting the community’s cultural and social ethos. The study situates Mising folktales within global feminist discourse, emphasizing their value as tools for preserving cultural identity and critiquing entrenched power structures. It further advocates for the preservation of these oral traditions as critical cultural artifacts and explores their contemporary relevance in promoting gender equity and environmental sustainability.

Assessing Factors Influencing ESG Ratings in Malaysian Companies: An Empirical Study

This study explores the determinants of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings within the Malaysian corporate sector. Employing panel regression analysis on data collected from 40 companies listed on Bursa Malaysia between 2018 and 2022, this research investigates the roles of company size, board diligence, digital transformation, Shariah compliance, and gender diversity in influencing ESG performance. The results indicate that larger firms are generally associated with lower ESG ratings, suggesting that achieving sustainability at scale remains a significant challenge. In contrast, gender diversity on corporate boards emerges as a robust positive predictor of ESG ratings, highlighting the essential role of inclusive governance in enhancing sustainability outcomes. Contrary to expectations, the study finds no significant direct impact of board diligence and digital transformation on ESG outcomes, suggesting the need for a critical reassessment of these factors within existing sustainability frameworks. By identifying key drivers and uncovering unexpected findings, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on ESG practices, offering valuable insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable business practices. The study not only maps the landscape of ESG performance drivers in Malaysia but also sets a direction for future research aimed at developing more nuanced and effective sustainability strategies in similar emerging market contexts.

“I met my best friends yesterday”: Groups as a democratic practice in Brazilian schools

In this paper, we analyse experiences of democratic practices in two research interventions within school contexts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both projects took place in public (Government-owned and managed) schools and were inspired by participatory and critical approaches, particularly Paulo Freire’s popular education and bell hooks’ feminist pedagogies. We analyse two case studies in which group interventions raise issues about democracy within schools and broader society, stressing the differences between the two contexts. The first case study discusses an educational programme for teachers and school staff on gender and sexual diversity, funded by a pro-diversity centre-left Federal government from 2007 to 2014. We analyse the group as a space to build multiple perspectives and democratic practices on gender and sexuality. Second, we analyse material from a project that conducted workshops with pupils (7 to 11 years old) to discuss interpersonal relations and the bonds they had with their schools during lockdowns (2021). Researchers developed participatory methods for remote learning and conducted online fieldwork with students—who had their parents’ and carers’ silent presence at home—analysing the construction of bonds with school, classmates and their autonomy. This project was conducted during a much more hostile moment than the previous one, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and in an ultraconservative political context in Brazil. While even during a social-democratic administration, we found limits in discussing gender and sexuality in schools (case study 1), the later authoritarian government and context severely worsened the situation (case study 2). Nevertheless, we were able to use critical approaches to promote and discuss democratic practices, especially considering gender, sexuality, race, and class inequalities. Through our practices as school psychologists and researchers, we make collective stands against authoritarianism.

Gender and Geographic Equity in the International Association for Dental Research Awards.

To examine the gender and geographic distribution of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) Distinguished Scientist Awards (DSA; data: 2019-2024), group awards (data: 1982-2024), and fellowships (data: 1987-2024). Publicly available data were obtained from the IADR awards website. Information on gender and location of the awardees was gathered from photographs and affiliations if available or otherwise from online profiles or using Genderize, an online gender allocation platform. Of the 99 DSA awardees in 2019 to 2024, 35% were women; 38% were from the United States, 12% were from the United Kingdom, and 11% were from Australia. Of the 35 DSA women awardees, 54% were from the United States and 11% from Finland. Of the 795 group awardees, 45% were women. Data on the location of awardees were readily available for 681 group awards; of these, 39% were from the United States and 87% were from high-income countries. Of the 113 fellowships awarded, 58% were to women. Of the 32 fellowships since 2018, 44% were for awardees from upper-middle income countries. Although women are overrepresented in the dental profession and the IADR has a global membership, women awardees remain underrepresented, and most awards are granted to researchers in high-income countries. These findings call attention to a deeper look at diversity, equity, and inclusion within the IADR. Gender diversity of IADR research awards is moving in the right direction, but geographic diversity lags, with most Distinguished Scientist Awards and group awards to members in high-income countries. There is an urgent need to consider performance relative to opportunities and applications. This change in process could provide a much-needed intersectionality lens for recognizing the research performance of IADR members while increasing diversity and inclusivity.

Learning from gender-diverse thriving among third-gender people in Juchitán, Mexico

Background In the Zapotec culture of Oaxaca (southern Mexico), muxe individuals are people assigned male at birth who describe themselves as a third gender sharing some characteristics of both men and women. While some studies find that they encounter discrimination, muxe individuals also report being valued, respected, and supported given their traditionally recognized third gender status and role within their culture, community and family. The city of Juchitán is the center of this indigenous culture and provides an excellent setting to study factors that combat stigma and give space for gender-diverse thriving with implications for transgender health and well-being. Aim This study explores how acceptance around gender and sexual identity development and having a valued social role may promote resilience among muxe individuals and why matters for HIV/STIs prevention and overall health. Method On three occasions, in 2004, 2013, and 2023, we collected ethnographic data, including survey data from 38 self-identified muxe individuals. Results Our findings include information about demographic characteristics, gender identity, family acceptance, social acceptance, sexual experiences, relationships, involvement in sex work, and health status, including HIV/STI risk and status. Findings show that while muxe individuals report some gender-based discrimination, they also report a fair amount of cultural acceptance – including an accepted family, community, and social role – which has positive impacts on them in terms of health and wellbeing. Conclusion We envision this research as a baseline exploration upon which to build ongoing scholarly work in the area of gender diversity and transgender health. It is our hope that a deeper understanding of the muxe culture will advance approaches that learn from diverse cultural understandings of gender and underscore strength-based frames.