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Sex Discrimination and Female Top Managers: Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Huasheng Gao

    (Nanyang Technological University)

  • Yaheng Lin

    (Nanyang Technological University)

  • Yujing Ma

    (Nanyang Technological University)

Abstract

We examine whether sex discrimination contributes to the underrepresentation of female executives in large corporations. China’s strong cultural preference for sons has made newborn boys greatly outnumber newborn girls. Using the male-to-female sex ratio at birth as the proxy for discrimination against women, we find that firms headquartered in more discriminatory areas hire fewer female executives. Even conditional on a woman reaching an executive position, she faces a higher likelihood of dismissal and receives lower compensation than her male counterparts. Overall, our findings suggest that sex discrimination plays an important role in preventing women from climbing the corporate ladder.

Suggested Citation

  • Huasheng Gao & Yaheng Lin & Yujing Ma, 2016. "Sex Discrimination and Female Top Managers: Evidence from China," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 138(4), pages 683-702, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:138:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2892-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2892-x
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sex discrimination; Female executives; Gender; Sex ratio; Executive compensation; Turnover; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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