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The right to be known as knowing: how CEO political ideology shapes discrimination against female scientists

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  • Radfard, Ali
  • Hassani, Sama
  • Pistilli, Luca

Abstract

This study explores the influence of CEO political ideology on gender bias within corporate patenting. Drawing on social dominance theory, we hypothesize that firms led by conservative CEOs exhibit lower ratios of women inventors and women-led patent applications. Furthermore, we propose that a CEO’s social status moderates this relationship, with higher status potentially weakening the impact of political conservatism on gender bias. We find evidence supporting these hypotheses by analyzing data from 162 CEOs between 2005 and 2014. Our findings highlight the significant role of managerial values in perpetuating gender inequality in innovation, suggesting that political ideology and social status are crucial determinants of gender bias in corporate patenting.

Suggested Citation

  • Radfard, Ali & Hassani, Sama & Pistilli, Luca, 2025. "The right to be known as knowing: how CEO political ideology shapes discrimination against female scientists," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:201:y:2025:i:c:s0148296325005181
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115695
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