Board Gender Diversity: A Review of the Literature, Reem Khamis, Dr. Tillal Eldabi and Dr. Adel Al Sarea
Reem Khamis
Brunel University London, UK
Dr. Tillal Eldabi
Brunel University London, UK
Dr. Adel Al Sarea
Ahlia University, Bahrain
DOI: 10.47556/B.OUTLOOK2017.15.14
Purpose: This study aims to review literature in the area of board gender diversity and firm performance in order to identify existing research themes and future opportunities. This is to better understand the relationship between board gender diversity and firm performance.
Approach: This study focusses on articles related to the business rationale of board gender diversity and its effect on firm’s outcomes. This review identified four main trends in the literature of gender diversity. These are organisational environment, firm performance and value creation, governance and policies, socio-economics and socio-cultural attributes.
Findings: The study concludes by identifying some gaps for future studies. Finally the study suggested elaborating the work of previous studies to build a comprehensive conceptual framework that would consider the relationship between the external and internal environmental factors affecting board gender diversity and firm performance.
Practical implications/social implications: Understanding firm level and country level contextual factors that interfere with the relationship between board gender diversity and firm performance. This should be considered when imposing policies and regulations of board gender diversity.
Originality/Value: Some ownership structures were discussed at the firm level; some country level specifications, such as socio-economic and socio-cultural attributes were also discussed.
Keywords: Gender Diversity, Performance, Business Case, Firm Outcomes, Socio-Economics, Socio-Cultural Attributes.
