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Board gender diversity and innovation performance in manufacturing firms: What is the role of risk-taking?

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  • Liu, Jinzhi
  • Zhu, Songhua

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of board gender diversity on innovation performance in Chinese listed manufacturing firms, focusing on the mediating role of firm risk-taking. Analyzing 21,262 firm-year observations from 2010 to 2022, we find that board gender diversity positively influences innovation performance through increased risk-taking. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact is stronger in the Eastern and Central regions and in technology-intensive industries. These findings suggest that gender-diverse boards can foster innovation by promoting balanced risk-taking, particularly in regions with better institutional environments and technology-driven sectors. The results have significant implications for corporate governance practices and policies aimed at enhancing gender diversity and innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Jinzhi & Zhu, Songhua, 2024. "Board gender diversity and innovation performance in manufacturing firms: What is the role of risk-taking?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:68:y:2024:i:c:s1544612324009668
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.105936
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Board gender diversity; Innovation performance; Firm risk-taking; Manufacturing firms; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General

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