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Institutional investors, non-mandatory regulations, and board gender diversity

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  • Fu, Xi
  • Li, Yiwei
  • Zhang, Zhifang

Abstract

This study investigates the interaction between institutional investors and non-mandatory regulations, specifically, their impact on board gender diversity. Using a sample of UK FTSE All-Share firms from 2000 to 2017, we find that higher institutional ownership leads to higher female director representation on boards. We also find that this effect is more pronounced after the Davies intervention, a campaign promoting gender balance on British corporate boards. The findings highlight the complementary role of institutional investors and the Davies intervention in shaping board gender diversity, thereby offering insightful implications for shareholder perspectives and demand for board diversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Fu, Xi & Li, Yiwei & Zhang, Zhifang, 2023. "Institutional investors, non-mandatory regulations, and board gender diversity," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PC).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:58:y:2023:i:pc:s1544612323008814
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2023.104509
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Institutional investors; British firms; Boards; Gender diversity; Corporate governance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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