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Board Gender Diversity and Corporate Green Innovation: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Xin Lin

    (School of Economics and Finance, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510665, China)

  • Lina Yu

    (School of Economics and Finance, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510665, China)

  • Jinhong Zhang

    (School of Economics and Finance, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510665, China)

  • Suxu Lin

    (School of Management, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510665, China)

  • Qiming Zhong

    (School of Finance, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China)

Abstract

A green economy is the current trend of sustainable development for the global economy. Using Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2010 to 2020, this study examines how board gender diversity affects green innovation. Results show that board gender diversity significantly promotes the number and quality of green innovations and that R&D and governments support, as essential intermediary mechanisms have positive effects on the relationship between female directors and green innovation. Moreover, heterogeneous analyses show that high levels of ESG, gender diversity of directorial boards of state-owned enterprises, and large enterprises have a more significant role in promoting green innovation. The study provides empirical evidence for the development of green innovation and theoretical support for the transformation of corporate strategic thinking with more women participating in executive decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Lin & Lina Yu & Jinhong Zhang & Suxu Lin & Qiming Zhong, 2022. "Board Gender Diversity and Corporate Green Innovation: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-24, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:22:p:15020-:d:971721
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Xin Zhao & Shuyang Wang & Xiaoyu Wu, 2025. "Leveraging Board Experience Diversity to Enhance Corporate Green Technological Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-25, April.
    3. Marco Traversi & Mariasole Bannò & Emilia Filippi, 2024. "The role of the cultural context in moderating the effect between the presence of women directors and firm environmental innovation," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(5), pages 3685-3702, September.
    4. Gui‐jun Wang & Ke‐meng Li & Ke‐di Wang, 2025. "Trade secrets leakage risk and firm innovation: Evidence from third‐party disclosure of Chinese listed firms' online sales data," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 65(1), pages 59-80, March.
    5. José‐María Montero & María del Carmen Valls Martínez & José Manuel Santos‐Jaén, 2025. "The impact of board gender diversity on green building practices: Moving beyond traditional linear and logistic specifications," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(2), pages 1779-1830, March.
    6. De Novellis, Gennaro & Pedrazzoli, Alessia & Pennetta, Daniela & Venturelli, Valeria, 2025. "Greenwashing, greenhushing, and the path to green banking," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    7. Guixiang Cao & Xintong Fang & Ying Chen & Jinghuai She, 2023. "Regional Big Data Application Capability and Firm Green Technology Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-29, August.
    8. Chunhui Huo & Inzamam Ul Haq & Ji Wang, 2024. "Nudging Toward Internal and External Origin Drivers: A Review of Corporate Green Innovation Research," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(4), pages 21582440241, October.
    9. Xu Wang & Hanhan Han & Mengfei Zhao & Shengliang Deng, 2025. "Impact of Female Executive Power on Corporate ESG Performance: The Mediating Role of Managerial Self‐Interest," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(8), pages 11083-11105, December.

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