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

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  • Thams, Yannick
  • Bendell, Bari L.
  • Terjesen, Siri

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Thams, Yannick & Bendell, Bari L. & Terjesen, Siri, 2018. "Explaining women's presence on corporate boards: The institutionalization of progressive gender-related policies," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 130-140.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:86:y:2018:i:c:p:130-140
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.01.043
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    3. Murat Ocak & Derya Fındık, 2019. "The Impact of Intangible Assets and Sub-Components of Intangible Assets on Sustainable Growth and Firm Value: Evidence from Turkish Listed Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-23, September.
    4. Wang, Joyce C. & Zhao, Yiyi & Sun, Sunny L. & Zhu, Jigao, 2023. "Female-friendly boards in family firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    5. Young Zik Shin & Jeung-Yoon Chang & Kyeongmin Jeon & Hyunpyo Kim, 2020. "Female directors on the board and investment efficiency: evidence from Korea," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(4), pages 438-479, September.
    6. Heike Mensi-Klarbach & Stephan Leixnering & Michael Schiffinger, 2021. "The Carrot or the Stick: Self-Regulation for Gender-Diverse Boards via Codes of Good Governance," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 170(3), pages 577-593, May.
    7. Fernández-Méndez, Carlos & Pathan, Shams, 2023. "The valuation impact of gender quotas in the boardroom: Evidence from the European markets," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    8. Carter, David A. & Shank, Corey A., 2023. "Do religiosity and political beliefs affect female representation and firm performance?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    9. Thams, Yannick & Kelley, Keith & Von Glinow, Mary Ann, 2018. "Foreigners in the boardroom: The implications of attitudes toward immigration and conservatism in firms' sub-national context," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 8-18.
    10. Cynthia E. Clark & Punit Arora & Patricia Gabaldon, 2022. "Female Representation on Corporate Boards in Europe: The Interplay of Organizational Social Consciousness and Institutions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 180(1), pages 165-186, September.
    11. María Consuelo Pucheta‐Martínez & Isabel Gallego‐Álvarez & Inmaculada Bel‐Oms, 2021. "Cultural environments and the appointment of female directors on boards: An analysis from a global perspective," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(2), pages 555-569, March.
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