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Female Leaders and Financial Inclusion. Evidence from Microfinance Institutions

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  • Reidar Øystein Strøm

    (Oslo Metropolitan University)

  • Bert D'Espallier

    (Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel (HUBrussel); Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) - Lessius University College)

  • Roy Mersland

    (University of Agder)

Abstract

This research advances the hypothesis that female leaders (CEO, chair, and director) of a microfinance institution (MFI) give more priority to the poorest families in loan provision than male leaders. We differentiate between a depth and a width dimension of financial inclusion. The data set is a unique global panel of MFIs collected from MFI raters’ reports. Our sample is also unique in the sense that about one third of all MFIs have a female CEO. The problem of endogeneity for the female leader is resolved by running Heckman’s two-step endogenous dummy variable estimation with instrument for the female leader. We find evidence for greater depth financial inclusion (smaller average loan, more gender biased) with a female leader, but not for width financial inclusion (credit client growth). The female leaders exhibit greater altruism, greater competition avoidance, but not greater risk aversion than male peers.

Suggested Citation

  • Reidar Øystein Strøm & Bert D'Espallier & Roy Mersland, 2016. "Female Leaders and Financial Inclusion. Evidence from Microfinance Institutions," Working Papers 201601, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo Business School.
    • Handle: RePEc:oml:wpaper:201601
    DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.2737287
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    Cited by:

    1. Zamore, Stephen, 2018. "Should microfinance institutions diversify or focus? A global analysis," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 105-119.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Female leadership; Financial access; Microfinance institutions; Cross-country panel data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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