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Women in top positions on boards of directors: Gender policies disclosed in Italian sustainability reporting

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  • Katia Furlotti
  • Tatiana Mazza
  • Veronica Tibiletti
  • Silvia Triani

Abstract

Inspired by the promotion of gender balance on boards of directors of listed companies in Europe, this study seeks to understand whether the presence of women with different responsibilities is associated with gender policies disclosed in corporate social responsibility or sustainability reports. Using the data of listed companies in Italy, we find a positive association between the presence of women in the role of chairperson and the implementation with disclosure of gender policies. Consistent with gender self‐schema, women believe in their values, and pay attention to conflict management when they are in the position of chairperson. We find different results when the women are in the position of chief executive officer (CEO). The position of CEO is usually a male job and our results show a non‐significant perception of female problems when a woman occupies the CEO position. This study contributes to corporate social responsibility analysis of the reporting of gender policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Katia Furlotti & Tatiana Mazza & Veronica Tibiletti & Silvia Triani, 2019. "Women in top positions on boards of directors: Gender policies disclosed in Italian sustainability reporting," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(1), pages 57-70, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:26:y:2019:i:1:p:57-70
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.1657
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