Gender Diversity Research Articles

Empowering Women to Lead Cybersecurity: The Effect of Female Executives on Disclosure Sentiment

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact of gender diversity (i.e., the presence of female executives on corporate boards) on the sentiment of cybersecurity information disclosure, including its likelihood, magnitude, and tone. We develop a unique dataset providing an extensive view of the development and evolution of cybersecurity‐related disclosure practices among prominent publicly traded US companies over a 19‐year period (2002–2020). We find strong evidence that female executives are more likely to disclose, and they report significantly more cybersecurity‐related information compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, female executives adopt a more conservative, uncertain, and litigious tone in their cybersecurity disclosures than male executives. The results also support the notion of a critical mass of female executives on the board and align with various theories, emphasising the importance of gender diversity in promoting high‐quality cybersecurity disclosure practices within firms. Furthermore, we examine several channels contributing to the heterogeneity of cybersecurity disclosures between female and male executives, and consider the effects of the black swan events (i.e., the financial crisis and the COVID‐19 pandemic).

Board gender diversity (BGD): compelling evidence in support for the critical mass theory

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the level of support and expand on the issues recently raised in the literature concerning critical mass theory and board gender diversity (BGD).Design/methodology/approachThe authors systematically searched relevant articles on the Scopus database in March 2024, identifying 132 articles. After removing book chapters, conference papers and reviews, the number was reduced to 122. An additional 16 were discarded as they were irrelevant (e.g. political, theoretical or conceptual) to the current study, leaving a final sample of 106 articles. This longitudinal study covers the period from 2016 to 2024.FindingsThe paper finds compelling evidence supporting the critical mass theory and underscores the importance of corporate BGD in today’s society. It also offers explanations for the few cases where critical mass theory may not be fully supported. It highlights that the performance benefits of corporate BGD, in many cases, only exist when there is a critical mass of female directors on the board.Practical implicationsIt lends support to policymakers in pursuing corporate BGD through quotas, provided that the incentive is not just to fill the numbers.Originality/valueThe paper offers a unique perspective on the level of support for the critical mass theory. It is believed to be the first paper to conduct a longitudinal study to investigate the support for the critical mass theory.

Does diversity matter? Explaining the effects of team diversity on team performance using data from a student’s business simulation game

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of different diversity criteria (age and gender) on team performance using a business simulation game, where performance is operationalized by market valuation (Tobin’s Q) and profitability (cumulative net income). Design/methodology/approach The authors collected data of a business simulation game at a German public university (128 student groups and 645 individuals). Using multiple linear regression models, they investigated the impact of the different diversity criteria on team performance. Findings The authors found no significant effects of gender diversity on market valuation and profitability. However, the results of this study indicate a positive relationship between age diversity and both performance variables. Originality/value This paper contributes to the debate on the relationship between diversity and team performance by using data from a business simulation game. This study adds value by considering different diversity factors, objective performance indicators and the endogeneity of team formation (the seminar leaders randomly assign students to teams) which has not been applied in similar studies yet. Because of the setting of a simulated business game, the results could also be applied to the real economy where we observe working teams every day.

Abstract 4141488: Initial Real-World Experience with a Novel Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Background: The wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) can reduce sudden cardiac death; effectiveness depends on adherence. A novel WCD designed for sex specific comfort and noise immunity has reported improved compliance. Hypothesis: Patient compliance with the WCD maximizes device utility in treating significant arrhythmia. Aims: Report WCD patient compliance and efficacy in a cohort with balanced gender representation. Evaluate WCD performance in minimizing noise artifact leading to false alarms and unnecessary shocks. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients prescribed the ASSURE WCD at the Cleveland Clinic. Clinical data was collected via medical chart review. All device-detected arrhythmia episodes were manually adjudicated by a Board-certified Electrophysiologist. Detected rhythms that persist, result in an audible alarm notifying that a shock is imminent. A conscious patient can manually divert a shock. An alarm was deemed true and shock appropriate if the underlying rhythm was sustained VT/VF. Results: Fifty-five patients were fitted with a WCD. Median daily use 22 hr/day (IQR 13,24) and median duration of use 43 days (IQR 8,79). Female representation was 49%, significantly greater than prior reports of WCD experience. 4 episodes of sustained VT/VF were detected in 4 patients. A single shock terminated VT/VF in 2, while spontaneous termination of VT/VF occurred in the other 2 patients who diverted shocks. One shock for hemodynamically unstable atrial fibrillation with heart rate >200bpm was delivered and deemed necessary. No deaths occurred while wearing a WCD. Of 163 recorded episodes, 62 (38%) persisted and triggered an alarm (Figure 1). 10 patients experienced a median of 1 (IQR 1,9.5) alarm during the WCD wear period. The majority (97%) of alarms were associated with a significant tachyarrhythmia, with only 3% due to noise artifact. No inappropriate, unnecessary shocks were delivered. Discussion: Patient compliance with the ASSURE WCD was high in this real-world observational study with equal representation of both sexes. The WCD effectively terminated sustained hemodynamically significant tachyarrhythmias, emitted few false alarms due to noise and resulted in no unnecessary and inappropriate shocks.

The impact of board gender diversity on green building practices: Moving beyond traditional linear and logistic specifications

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between sustainability and gender equality by analyzing how the percentage of women on the board of directors (still less than 50% in most cases) influences a company's commitment to green building practices. For this analysis, we estimate 30 competing multivariate pooled and panel data logistic specifications, including the gender diversity factor in both its traditional and polynomial forms. This methodological innovation (the polynomial form) allows for the examination of gender diversity's relationship with other variables beyond conventional models that assume constant effects, thus enabling a more realistic depiction of impacts that vary with the degree of diversity. Our dataset includes companies listed on the Euro Stoxx 300 and Standard & Poor's 500 for the period 2010–2021. The findings indicate that, in both indices, an increased percentage of women on the board (and a higher Blau diversity index) correlates with a greater propensity for sustainable building practices, up to a threshold nearing parity. The impacts are more significant in Europe than in the U.S., where board gender diversity appears to have a lesser influence on green building initiatives. The specification that best models the relationship between sustainable building practices and gender diversity, along with other relevant factors, is a multivariate panel data logistic model with the gender diversity factor included as a cubic polynomial for companies listed on the Euro Stoxx 300. A similar model, but with the gender factor in a quadratic polynomial form, was selected for companies listed on the Standard & Poor's 500. Therefore, the impact function of gender diversity on sustainable building practices is not constant but depends on the existing degree of board gender diversity, with the shape of the impact function differing between Europe and the U.S. Additionally, the study finds that other board characteristics—larger boards, longer tenures of directors, and higher compensation for senior executives—are associated with an increased propensity towards green practices in both the European and U.S. contexts. Conversely, linking CEO compensation to shareholder returns reduces this propensity. Moreover, the number of non‐executive directors and the overlap between the Chairperson and CEO positions do not significantly impact this propensity.

Visual Representation of Gender in Morocco's Earthquake Coverage in International News Channel

This study aimed at identifying the way of Media's framing of gender while covering Twitter official accounts for the international news channels concerning Morocco's earthquake. To achieve the study objectives. The researchers used quantitative and qualitative content-analysis approach by using MAXQDA software. Adopted in Ali (2014), where similar sample-selection way and analysis categories were used. The study’s findings indicate that Al-Jazeera account was the most publishing site to mixed images (males/ females) with a total of 22 images, whereas (CNN) account was the most publishing site to women's images with a total of 17 images. The results of image-analysis, according to the category, revealed that the most common category was “helplessness” with a percentage of 46%. The images of “weakness and sickliness” were identical for the mixed and women's images, whereas only one image was for men. This revealed that women have usually been amongst the weakest categories that were more exposed to risks in case of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods. Image analysis revealed that the means of media supports the idea that some housework tasks are exclusive for women, and that those tasks may increase in times of natural disasters. Some images revealed that women remain physically strong and attempt to overcome this disaster, where they could break the stereotypical view implying that women are helpless in times of crises.

Does Board Gender Diversity Moderate the Relationship between Institutional Ownership and ESG Performance? Evidence from China

Does Board Gender Diversity Moderate the Relationship between Institutional Ownership and ESG Performance? Evidence from China

Women in Video Games: An Analysis of the Biased Representation of Female Characters in Current Video Games

AbstractVideo games have become the largest sector of the global entertainment industry, making their cultural influence significant. This study examines gender representation in mainstream videogames in Spain across PlayStation, XBOX, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. Using content analysis, we analyze 313 female and male characters presented in video games. The results show a problematic representation of women in terms of quantity and quality. Women are significantly underrepresented, starring in only 17.78% of game covers and 35.29% of in-game audiovisual content, limiting their visibility and relatability for players. Furthermore, female characters are frequently relegated to secondary roles, depicted with submissive attitudes, unrealistic body types, and subjected to various forms of violence. Despite some games promoting inclusion, a tendency to masculinize female figures persists. The research underscores the impact of these patterns on children and young players’ identity formation, urging reflection on gender values in popular videogames and proposing practical solutions for educators and the video game industry to foster more equitable and diverse portrayals of women in media.

Gendered implications of organizational gender diversity for voluntary turnover: human resource practices as strategic levers

Organizational gender diversity may not be as well received among male employees as among female employees, particularly in countries characterized by gender inequality. Through the lens of intergroup threat theory (intergroup threat is experienced when members of one group perceive that another group is in a position to cause them actual or symbolic harm), we conceptualize organizational gender diversity as a threat to male employees, which evokes male employees’ voluntary turnover, but as a support (threat mitigation) to female employees, which reduces female employees’ voluntary turnover. We also investigate whether certain types of human resource (HR) practices can moderate the gendered implication of organizational gender diversity for voluntary turnover. By analyzing data from South Korea, we found that while collective incentives negatively moderated the positive relationship between organizational gender diversity and male employees’ voluntary turnover, childcare benefits strengthened the negative relationship between organizational gender diversity and female employees’ voluntary turnover.

Associations Between Gender Diversity and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early Adolescence.

To assess associations between multiple dimensions of gender diversity with eating disorder symptoms in a national cohort of U.S. early adolescents. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 10,092, Mage = 12.9 years, 2019-2021). Gender diversity was measured using multiple dimensions, including categorical gender identity (e.g., transgender, cisgender), categorical and continuousfelt gender (congruence between gender identity and assigned sex), ordinal gender non-contentedness (dissatisfaction with one's gender), and ordinal gender expression (communication of gender through appearance and mannerisms). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations among gender diversity measures and eating disorder symptoms, adjusting for potential confounders. Greater felt gender diversity was associated with self-worth tied to weight (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11-1.53), binge eating (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.46), and distress with binge eating (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-1.59). Greater gender expression diversity was associated with self-worth tied to weight (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.33), distress with binge eating (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04-1.51), and characteristics of binge eating episodes (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.66). Gender non-contentedness was associated with self-worth tied to weight (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20-1.58) and compensatory behaviors related to weight gain (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.26). Transgender identity was not significantly associated with any eating disorder symptoms. We found that greater gender diversity across multiple dimensions was associated with various eating disorder symptoms, and that measures beyond binary gender identity may be important to assess gender diversity in early adolescence.

How to Define Sexual Health? A Qualitative Analysis of People’s Perceptions

Objectives Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall health that affects an individual’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. Understanding people’s perceptions of sexual health is essential because it can impact their sexual health-related behaviors, namely, their interactions with health services, campaigns, information, and policies. Furthermore, these perceptions may have a systemic impact, as public health policies related to promoting sexual health can be influenced by social factors. Such perceptions may also influence individuals’ sexual expression and interactions with sexual partners. Thus, an understanding of people’s perceptions of sexual health can facilitate the appropriate seeking of sexual healthcare, inform professional interactions with patients and the community, and guide policymakers in the promotion of it. Methods A total of 151 people living in Portugal, aged 19 to 75, answered a cross-sectional online questionnaire with an open-ended question: “In your opinion, what is sexual health?”. The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results We created four themes: (1) Let’s get physical, physical, (2) I’m in charge!, (3) I am not alone in this, and (4) Sexual justice is a must!. Participants presented diverse and complex views of sexual health, considering that it includes physical and biological components, cognitive and behavioral aspects and relational factors, and it is framed by the social and political context. Conclusions This study emphasizes that defining and achieving sexual health goes beyond healthism and needs to be considered at multiple levels. It highlights the need for individual awareness and self knowledge, to recognize equity within relationships and the strive for social equality and sexual rights. The study also emphasizes the significance of considering and respecting sexual developmental when promoting positive attitudes toward sex in formal and informal settings, increasing education about sexual pleasure, accepting and celebrating sexual and gender diversity, recognizing consensual non-monogamous relationships, and the need for inclusivity within sexually tolerant societies. Viewing sexual health through a political lens may play a crucial role in reshaping societal norms, promoting sexual justice, and influencing policymakers to better address and support the sexual health needs of a population following their own perspectives and expressed needs.

Visual Representations of Dance and Gender in the Hebrew Bible and the Ancient World

This essay outlines the visual reception of dance in the Hebrew Bible and the broader ancient world. It begins with depictions of dance within the visual culture of the ancient Near East, as well as Greek, Roman and Egyptian visual art. It next explores texts from the Hebrew Bible which depict dance and outlines various ways in which these have been brought to life visually through the centuries. The representation of gender in these visual depictions is drawn out and explored throughout the essay.

Board gender diversity and ESG performance: pathways to financial success in Malaysian emerging market

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between board gender diversity (BGD) and financial performance (FP) in the Malaysian emerging market, focusing on the mediating role of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing a dataset of 976 observations from Malaysian publicly listed companies from 2016 to 2023, this study explores BGD as the independent variable with FP measured through both accounting and market metrics. ESG performance serves as a mediating variable. The analysis employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to examine direct and mediating effects, supplemented by the Baron and Kenny approach and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression for robustness.FindingsThe findings indicate that higher BGD positively and significantly impacts all three performance measures: Tobin's Q (TQ), Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). ESG performance positively influences these measures. The SEM analysis reveals a significant positive impact of BGD on ESG performance, which fully mediates the relationship between BGD and TQ/ROA and partially mediates the relationship between BGD and ROE.Practical implicationsThe results have significant implications for policymakers, board members, scholars and investors, stressing the importance of gender diversity and ESG performance in improving FP. The findings suggest that enhancing board effectiveness through BGD can promote sustainable practices and align corporate strategies with broader sustainability goals, which eventually helps to improve companies’ FP.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature by highlighting the mediating role of ESG performance in the relationship between BGD and FP and emphasizing the importance of gender diversity in corporate sustainability. It addresses this gap by providing insights into how ESG performance enhances the impact of BGD on FP.

Board Characteristics and Dividend Pay-Out Policy in Nigerian Consumer Good Firms

This study interrogates the interplay between board attributes and dividend payout policy amongst listed in Nigerian manufacturing firms. The research focuses on various board attributes, including board size, board independence, gender diversity, and board ownership, to determine their influence on the dividend decisions of firms. Using panel data from a sample of Nigerian manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2013 to 2022, the study employs multiple regression analysis to evaluate the effect of these variables on dividend per share. The results indicate that board independence positively influence dividend payouts, while board diversity and board ownership have negative non-significant effect on the criterion variable using t-statistics. These findings suggest that a well-structured board can enhance firm decision-making, leading to higher shareholder returns. The study recommends that policymakers and firm managers should consider the composition and governance of boards when devising strategies related to dividend payouts to optimize corporate performance and shareholder value.

Smoothing bank results: the moderating effect of gender in boards of directors and periods of crisis

The main objective of this study is to analyze whether European banks engage in the practice of income smoothing through the discretionary use of Loan Loss Provisions (LLP). At the same time, it aims to assess whether periods of crisis and the gender diversity of the board of directors of European banks have a moderating effect on the practice of smoothing bank results through the use of LLP. To achieve this objective, we used a panel of 378 listed banks from 39 European countries fron 2003 to 2021. To test the research hypotheses, a fixed effects model was used. In addition, to check for potential differences at regional level, the sample was broken down into four regions. Empirical evidence was obtained suggesting that the banks in the sample tend to use LLP to smooth their results. In addition, the empirical evidence suggests that periods of crisis and the gender diversity of the banks' board of directors have a moderating effect, in the negative sense, on the income smoothing practices of the banks in the sample. Breaking down the European sample into different regions, the results suggest that the practice of income smoothing through the use of LLP tends to be a reality for the listed banks in all four regions considered. In addition, and expectably, periods of crisis and the gender diversity of the board of directors tend to have a slightly different impact on the practice of income smoothing between the various regions. To the best of our knowledge, this study contributes to clarifying the literature on the impact of the 2007 financial crisis on the practice of bank income smoothing. In addition, it will be one of the first to comprehensively investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and gender diversity on the practice of smoothing bank results through the use of LLP in the European context.

Local Body Election in Tamil Nadu - A View

This article examines the evolution and current structure of local governance and election practices in Tamil Nadu, tracing back to the historical Uravai system of village councils, where community-elected elders adjudicated local disputes. With roots in ancient Tamil society, local self-governance evolved significantly under the reign of Tamil kings, particularly during the Chola period, where the Kudavolai system—a forerunner to modern democracy—allowed villagers to select council members for self-administration. Following independence, the Indian government initiated reforms to decentralize governance, notably through the Balvantrai Mehta and Ashok Mehta Committees. These committees advocated for a three-tier rural governance model, later enshrined in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. Tamil Nadu, aligning with these democratic principles, enacted the Panchayat Act in 1994, establishing a modern framework for local elections with distinct advancements, including reserved seats for women to enhance political inclusion. The article highlights how Tamil Nadu’s local governance structure, blending historical customs with contemporary democratic reforms, promotes public welfare through elected municipal bodies, demonstrating progressive strides in gender representation and local political participation.

Exploring Consumer Satisfaction and Service Quality at Bhatbhateni Supermarket

Background: Customer satisfaction and service quality are pivotal to the success of businesses, particularly in the competitive retail landscape of Kathmandu. Bhatbhateni, as one of the leading retail chains in Nepal, plays a crucial role in offering a wide array of products and services. Understanding customer perceptions regarding service quality and satisfaction is essential for enhancing operational strategies and maintaining a competitive edge in this dynamic market. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the demographic profile of Bhatbhateni's customers, evaluate their perceptions of service quality and satisfaction, identify key service needs and expectations, and assess the likelihood of repurchase and recommendations among customers. Methods: A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires distributed to a sample of 120 customers of Bhatbhateni, selected through convenience sampling to ensure a diverse representation of gender and age. The questionnaire encompassed demographic inquiries and Likert scale items measuring customer satisfaction, service quality, and overall service experience. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize findings and identify trends in customer perceptions. Findings: The results indicated that the sample comprised 53.3% male and 46.7% female customers, with 61.7% of respondents aged between 15-25 years. A substantial 70.0% of respondents felt that Bhatbhateni understood their service needs effectively. In terms of satisfaction levels, 43.3% of customers reported being somewhat satisfied, while 12.5% expressed being very satisfied with the products. Moreover, 45.8% of respondents rated Bhatbhateni's quality management as good, and 41.7% positively rated staff responsiveness. Additionally, 48.3% indicated a high likelihood of repurchasing products, and 61.7% stated they would likely recommend Bhatbhateni to others. Conclusion: The study reveals a generally positive perception of service quality among Bhatbhateni's customers, highlighting key areas of strength and potential for improvement. Customer satisfaction is significantly influenced by the understanding of service needs and the quality of management. These findings suggest that Bhatbhateni is well-positioned for sustained growth through enhanced customer engagement and service delivery. Novelty: This research contributes valuable insights into the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction within the specific context of Bhatbhateni, a prominent retail chain in Nepal. By employing a structured questionnaire and statistical analysis, the study adds to the limited existing literature on customer service perceptions in Nepal's retail sector. The findings can guide Bhatbhateni and similar businesses in developing targeted strategies to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately enhancing business service management practices in the region.

Mind the Gap: The Journey of Skull Base Specialties Toward Gender Parity

Abstract Background There are increased efforts to promote gender diversity in skull base specialties. Aims/Objectives This study seeks to evaluate changes within neurotology, rhinology, and skull base neurosurgery (SBNS) over the past decade. Methods Information regarding fellows training in the past 10 years, current faculty members and fellowship directors, and grants and awards were extracted from the American Neurotology Society, American Rhinologic Society, and North American Skull Base Society Web sites, tabulated, and summarized. Chi-square analysis compared the proportional makeup of female fellows within related fields. Results In the past decade in neurotology, men constituted 89 of 128 (69.53%) fellows, 132 of 170 (77.64%) faculty members, and 25 of 29 (86.2%) fellowship directors. Within rhinology, men constituted 211 of 279 (75.63%) fellows, 113 of 141 (80.14%) faculty members, and 32 of 35 (91.4%) fellowship directors. In SBNS programs, men constituted 94 of 105 (90%) fellows, 120 of 133 (90%) faculty members, and 43 of 44 (97.73%) fellowship directors. In neurotology fellowships, the proportion of women increased (12%, p = 0.06) from 2012–2017 to 2018–2022. Similarly, SBNS and rhinology had statistically insignificant increases of 4.28% (p = 0.86) and 8.70% (p = 0.87). Conclusion The representation of women is consistent across all three skull base specialties. Although the overall number of women in each field is increasing, it changes slowly. Significance The gender makeup across all three skull base specialties is similar.

The Evolution of Women's Roles and Status in Chinese Modern-Themed Films and Television Shows Between 2014 and 2024

Abstract: This paper devotes to study the changes in the role status and positioning of female characters in the context of modern Chinese film and television shows in the last ten years. This paper is based on the literature research method, case study, and comparative analysis method. Papers in related fields are studied to analyze the differences in the status and positioning of female characters in film and television works in various periods. In conclusion, this research finds that the evolution of female roles in modern Chinese film and television is a testament to the awareness and appreciation of gender diversity and female empowerment. As society continues to develop, future productions will embrace and celebrate the richness of women's careers and family lives. The film and television industry will continue to challenge and redefine traditional gender roles. The industry's response to audience feedback and the need for more realistic representations of women will elicit further innovation and diversity in the representation of female characters on screen.

Learning on a Limb: An outreach module to engage high school students in orthopaedics.

Orthopaedic researchers need new strategies for engaging underrepresented minority (URM) students. Our field has demonstrated noticeable gaps in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, which inhibit our ability to innovate and combat the severe socioeconomic burden of musculoskeletal disorders. Towards this goal, we designed, implemented, and evaluated Learning on a Limb (LoaL), an orthopaedic research outreach module to teach URM high school students about orthopaedic research. During the 4-h module, students completed hands-on activities to learn how biomechanical testing, microcomputed tomography, cell culture, and histology are used in orthopaedic research. Over 3 years, we recruited 32 high school students from the Greater Philadelphia Area to participate in LoaL. Most participants identified as racial/ethnic or gender minorities in orthopaedic research. Using pre/post-tests, we found that students experienced significant learning gains of 51 percentage points from completing LoaL. In addition to teaching students about orthopaedic research, post-survey data demonstrated that participating in LoaL strongly influenced students' interest in orthopaedic research and scientific confidence. Several students acted on this interest by completing summer research experiences in the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. LoaL instructors also benefited by having the opportunity to "pay it forward" to the next generation of students and build community within their department. Empowering institutions to host modules like LoaL would synergistically inspire URM high school students and strengthen community within orthopaedic departments to ultimately enhance orthopaedic research innovations.