Corporate Social Responsibility and Gender Diversity: Insights from Asia Pacific

Abstract

A growing body of empirical evidence suggests a positive link between boardroom gender diversity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in developed economy firms. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding whether this relationship holds true for developing economy firms. Relying on stakeholder and institutional theory, this study examines for a positive link between board gender diversity and enhanced corporate social performance of firms across three Asia Pacific emerging economies (Malaysia, Pakistan, and Thailand). We find a significant relationship between board gender diversity and enhanced adoption of CSR in these emerging markets. Given that emerging societies and their environments are often the most vulnerable to unethical corporate practices, our finding that female directors can play a strategic role in enabling firms to ethically manage their social responsibilities and sustainable practices has important policy implications for regulators and stakeholders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment

The relevance of personal characteristics and gender diversity for (eco‐)innovation activities at the firm‐level: Results from a linked employer–employee database in Germany

“…A positive influence on corporate social and environmental performance of having a large proportion of women in responsible positions (Jizi, ; Walls, Berrone, & Phan, ; Yasser, Al Mamun, & Ahmed, ) has also been detected in the literature (Bear, Rahman, & Post, ). Galbreath () shows that firms with larger boards and younger directors perform better with respect to issues related to climate change.…”

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