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Next Level Quotas? Corporate and Public Support for Gender Quotas in Executive Management

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Listed:
  • Ásta Dís Óladóttir

    (School of Business, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland)

  • Thora H. Christiansen

    (School of Business, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland)

  • Haukur Freyr Gylfason

    (School of Business, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland)

  • Haukur C. Benediktsson

    (School of Business, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland)

  • Freyja Vilborg Thorarinsdottir

    (School of Business, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland)

Abstract

This study provides the first comprehensive examination of gender quota legislation for executive management positions, executive gender quotas (EGQs), in Icelandic listed companies, alongside the general public’s attitudes toward such measures. Iceland has been a global leader in gender equality, according to the World Economic Forum, for 15 years, yet progress in achieving gender balance in executive positions remains limited. This research aims to explore how board members in all listed companies in Iceland view EGQ legislation and assess the level of public support for such legislation. Despite the implementation of gender quota legislation for corporate boards, board gender quotas (BGQs), in 2010 aimed at promoting gender balance, significant gender disparities persist at the executive management level. This study reveals distinct attitudes toward EGQs, with men predominantly opposing such legislation and women showing more support, particularly when progress toward gender balance is seen as inadequate. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing dialogue and potential legislative actions to address persistent gender inequalities in leadership positions. This research marks a novel contribution to the discourse on gender quotas in corporate governance, highlighting the need for systemic changes to achieve genuine gender parity in executive management teams. This study presents the first findings on the views of board members and the public on gender quota legislation in executive management positions to close the gender gap in economic participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ásta Dís Óladóttir & Thora H. Christiansen & Haukur Freyr Gylfason & Haukur C. Benediktsson & Freyja Vilborg Thorarinsdottir, 2024. "Next Level Quotas? Corporate and Public Support for Gender Quotas in Executive Management," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-20, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:14:y:2024:i:9:p:209-:d:1472773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marianne Bertrand & Sandra E Black & Sissel Jensen & Adriana Lleras-Muney, 2019. "Breaking the Glass Ceiling? The Effect of Board Quotas on Female Labour Market Outcomes in Norway," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 86(1), pages 191-239.
    2. Giulia Ferrari & Valeria Ferraro & Paola Profeta & Chiara Pronzato, 2022. "Do Board Gender Quotas Matter? Selection, Performance, and Stock Market Effects," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 68(8), pages 5618-5643, August.
    3. Pallab Kumar Biswas & Larelle Chapple & Helen Roberts & Kevin Stainback, 2023. "Board Gender Diversity and Women in Senior Management," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(1), pages 177-198, January.
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