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Effectiveness of gender equality initiatives in project-based organizations in Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Marzena Baker
  • Muhammad Ali
  • Erica French

Abstract

Little is known about the impact of workplace gender equality initiatives in improving women’s representation. We assess their effectiveness on levels of women’s representation in Australian property and mining organizations. Derived from signaling theory, we propose and test a positive relationship between gender equality initiatives and women’s representation at management and non-management levels. Derived from contingency theory, we propose and test the moderating effect of women in top management teams on the abovementioned relationships. The hypotheses were tested using archival data from 358 organizations with a 2-year time lag. The findings partially support the main and moderating effect hypotheses. We discuss theoretical, research, and practical implications. JEL Classification: M12, M14

Suggested Citation

  • Marzena Baker & Muhammad Ali & Erica French, 2019. "Effectiveness of gender equality initiatives in project-based organizations in Australia," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 44(3), pages 425-442, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:44:y:2019:i:3:p:425-442
    DOI: 10.1177/0312896218805809
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ali, Muhammad & Konrad, Alison M., 2017. "Antecedents and consequences of diversity and equality management systems: The importance of gender diversity in the TMT and lower to middle management," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 440-453.
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    5. Kennedy, Tom & Rae, Maria & Sheridan, Alison & Valadkhani, Abbas, 2017. "Reducing gender wage inequality increases economic prosperity for all: Insights from Australia," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 14-24.
    6. Michael Spence, 1973. "Job Market Signaling," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 87(3), pages 355-374.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sasikala, Visalakshy & Sankaranarayanan, Venkataraman, 2022. "‘Walking the talk’: Exploring heterogeneity in gender diversity performance in mining," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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