As the corporate world increasingly recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, boardroom gender diversity has emerged as a critical area for reform and institutional monitoring. In their groundbreaking study published in the „Review of Accounting Studies,“ Larry Fauver, Mingyi Hung, Alvaro G. Taboada, and Emily Jing Wang explore the global impact of boardroom gender diversity reforms on the oversight role of institutional investors. This research, spanning 25 countries, offers unprecedented insights into how these reforms not only advocate for gender diversity but also significantly influence the dynamics between institutional investors and corporate boards.
The study finds that gender diversity reforms strengthen the relationship between institutional ownership and the appointment of female directors, particularly for foreign investors. This effect is notably pronounced among investors from countries with strong social equity norms and among foreign pension funds and independent institutions. Moreover, the research highlights a positive outcome of reform compliance, with firms experiencing enhanced valuation and profitability. This suggests that boardroom gender diversity reforms not only promote equity and inclusion but also contribute to the financial and governance strength of companies.
This pivotal study raises important questions about the role of institutional investors in promoting gender diversity within corporate boards. It indicates that foreign institutional investors, armed with a global perspective and influenced by their home countries‘ social equity norms, are becoming key players in advocating for gender-diverse boards. In contrast, domestic investors‘ influence remains unchanged, possibly due to their deeper familiarity and integration within the local business environments.
The findings underscore a crucial aspect of corporate governance reform: the influence of social norms and institutional background on investor behavior and corporate governance practices. As companies and regulators worldwide continue to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by gender diversity, this study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms through which institutional monitoring can be leveraged to drive meaningful governance changes.