Purpose. This paper attempts to identify the dynamics of the gender diversity-toperformance relationship in the Spanish Banking sector in the period 1999-2010. Specifically we try to study how different proportions of men and women in banking institutions lead to different levels of Return on Assets and sales productivity. Design/methodology/approach. We use conventional panel data methods to find an optimal mix of males and females which leads to higher levels of financial results. With the aim of controlling unobserved heterogeneity, equations are estimated using the random effects model. Findings. Our findings show that the proportion of women in the workforce does not affect productivity but significantly explains ROA. In addition low-moderated levels (27%) of women in technical positions optimize ROA. Practical implications. Managers and public bodies are increasingly asking for evidences that support the diversity-performance relationship. In our research we show that the performance effects of a balanced-gender organization can be altered by the knowledge base of the different gender groups. Originality/value This research empirically explores the business case for gender diversity going beyond the upper echelons of organizations. We also study how the technical qualification of employees can determine the optimal proportion of gender groups.

This paper studies the influence of firm size over degree of innovation in a service sector, specifically in engineering consulting and technology services in Spain. A multiple regression analysis was used to test hypothesis about firm size positive influence over degree of innovation in services. To avoid distortions in this main relationship, three control variables were introduced (degree of standardisation, degree of customisation, and number of firm's activities). Results seem to indicate that firm size, measured by turnover, is related positively with degree of innovation, independently of moderate influence of control variables.

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The study of the gender composition of top management and its impact for organizations has received increasing attention during recent decades. Despite this, findings have been conflicting and few consistent conclusions have been reached. This paper uses panel data methods to study how the presence of women at the board of governance impacts gender diversity at different organizational levels in the Spanish banking sector. In addition, we explore the influence of female representation on employee productivity. Our findings show that the presence of one or two women at the board of directors benefits the advancement of women to managerial positions. We also identify a positive significant relationship between gender diversity at different organizational strata and productivity. The main conclusion of this research is that female representation at the board has relevant implications in terms of women being promoted and organizational outcomes. This contribution is relevant for both scholars and practitioners, as it explores the business case for gender diversity going beyond the upper echelons of organizations.