Women directors and sustainability: a contribution of networking activities

Abstract

Corporate governance encompasses systems and mechanisms to monitor, advise and strategize the business and contribute to business success. The presence of women on the board of directors has been investigated as a relevant driver of business financial and social performance. Sometimes, gender diversity itself is considered a measure of social responsibility. In addition, women are acknowledged to sensitize the business toward sustainability. We argue that, besides their presence, it is important to understand women's contribution to the board through their networking activities. Integrating resource dependence theory and social exchange theory, we theorize and discuss how women help create linkages with the internal and external environment of the firm, which can foster engagement in sustainable initiatives. Moreover, we look at how women develop relationships inside the business to affect the agenda of the board and play as role models inside the organization, thus nurturing the concept of being sustainable as a priority for the business.