Work

Explaining women's presence on corporate boards: The institutionalization of progressive gender-related policies

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: We draw on a phenomenological model of institutional theory to explore how sub-national policies shape corporate board gender diversity of publicly traded firms. Using a sample of S&P 1500 firms in 49 U.S. states from 2003 to 2014, we find that firms headquartered in states with progressive policies that protect women from discrimination and provide greater availability of emergency contraception and public funding for abortions have greater shares of women directors in their board of directors. Our findings hold after a series of robustness checks and offer implications for theory, policy, and practice.

Source: Journal of Business Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.01.043

Authors: Yannick Thams, Bari L. Bendell, Siri Terjesen

Institutions: Suffolk University, American University, Norwegian School of Economics

Language: English

Topic: Gender Diversity and Inequality

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,440