Internationalization and breaking the glass ceiling: An institutional perspective. Issue 1 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Wen-Ting; Lee, Chia-Ling; Ahlstrom, David
• Is Part Of: International business review. Volume 32:Issue 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Institutional theory -- Glass ceiling -- Foreign ownership -- Corporate social responsibility -- Taiwan; International business enterprises -- Periodicals; 338.8805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2022.102068
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-5931

Abstract

Abstract: Gender diversity continues to serve as a thought-provoking and challenging topic for society and business alike. Even as organizations implement policies to minimize discriminatory practices in the workplace, evidence of gender inequality in firms around the world persists. Drawing on institutional theory, this study focuses on the effect that foreign investors and host country corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies have on gender diversity, and how professional groups can moderate this relationship. In analyzing 608 observations from listed firms in Taiwan, the findings demonstrate these relationships. It is shown that both foreign investor ownership and good host country CSR in firms are positively linked to the promotion of women into managerial positions. The assurance of professional groups in home countries further enhances this positive relationship. Our results further indicate how institutions carried across borders by organizations can influence firm decisions such as gender diversity through global norms of corporate CSR and also by the assurance of professional groups in the home multinational firm. Highlights: Based on institutional theory, this study examines relationships between the internationalization of companies and managers gender diversity. Both foreign investor ownership and good host country CSR in firms are positively linked to gender diversity. The professional CSR assurance in home multinational firms enhances the positive effects of both foreign investors and host country CSR policies on gender diversity.