The importance of a critical mass of women on boards to reduce the gender pay disparity among non-executive directors

Purpose The interest in promoting diversity in corporate governance is increasing gender equality on boards. Even so, previous research shows that women are underrepresented on boards of directors. This study aims to explore how an increasing presence of women on boards reduces gender pay disparity...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Tarkovska, Valentina, Gabaldón, Patricia, Ratiu, Raluca Valeria
Formato: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Recursos:IE
Repositorio:Repositorio IE
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.ie.edu:20.500.14417/4074
Acesso em linha:https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-12-2021-0386
https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14417/4074
https://www.emerald.com/gm/article/38/6/821/95454/The-importance-of-a-critical-mass-of-women-on
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:53 Ciencias Económicas::5311 Organización y dirección de empresas
ODS 5 - Igualdad de género
ODS 10 - Reducción de las desigualdades
Nonexecutive directors
Women on boards
Critical mass
Gender pay disparity
Compensation committee
Nomination committee
Descrição
Resumo:Purpose The interest in promoting diversity in corporate governance is increasing gender equality on boards. Even so, previous research shows that women are underrepresented on boards of directors. This study aims to explore how an increasing presence of women on boards reduces gender pay disparity among nonexecutive directors (NEDs). Design/methodology/approach This study explores how an increasing presence of women on boards reduces gender pay disparity among NEDs. Findings The results indicate that for boards to reduce the gender pay disparity among NEDs, women need to reach a critical mass of 33% of board members. In addition, this study finds that women’s presence on influential committees further reduces the gender pay disparity among NEDs. Research limitations/implications The study uses critical mass and social identity theories to explain the impact of women directors on NEDs’ remuneration in a sample of 365 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange over 16 years (1999–2015). The findings indicate the importance of reducing gender pay disparity as a tool to promote gender equality on boards. Practical implications This study provides evidence on the importance of corporations including gender diversity on board committees to reduce gender pay disparities at the board level. Originality/value In addition, this study finds that women’s presence on influential committees further reduces gender pay disparity among NEDs.