Corporate Social Responsibility and Gender Diversity: Insights from Asia Pacific. (7th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yasser, Qaiser Rafique; Al Mamun, Abdullah; Ahmed, Irfan
• Is Part Of: Corporate social responsibility and environmental management. Volume 24:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 210
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2017-03-07
• Subjects: gender diversity -- stakeholder theory -- institutional theory -- corporate social responsibility; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental auditing -- Periodicals; 658.408
• DOI: 10.1002/csr.1400
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1535-3958

Abstract

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