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Managing gender diversity and board dynamics: The role of male chairpersons of large listed firms

Author

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  • Terrence W Fitzsimmons
  • Victor J Callan

Abstract

To better understand the links between gender diversity and board dynamics, 45 male chairs of large Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) firms were interviewed to identify the impacts of the appointment of women on board functioning. Chairs held very positive perceptions about the influence of women board members, including improved dynamics around reflexivity, communication and debate which assisted chairs to promote a sense of shared group membership and cohesion. Every chair consciously worked to ensure that board member gender was not made a salient attribute or social category. Irrespective of gender, chairs encouraged board members to judge themselves as fulfilling specific components of the board skills matrix, while also identifying as a social category of highly qualified professionals rather than as unique individuals or factions categorised by gender difference or business track records. A preliminary social-psychological framework is proposed to guide future research and to promote improved boardroom practices. JEL classification: D23, D74, G41

Suggested Citation

  • Terrence W Fitzsimmons & Victor J Callan, 2022. "Managing gender diversity and board dynamics: The role of male chairpersons of large listed firms," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 47(3), pages 454-473, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:47:y:2022:i:3:p:454-473
    DOI: 10.1177/03128962211066536
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lu Jiao & Graeme Harrison & Jinhua Chen, 2025. "Organizational culture and revenue-raising strategies in social service not-for-profits," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 50(2), pages 459-483, May.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets

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