Gender diversity on the board and its impact on corporate social responsibility on listed companies from Colombia and Mexico

Abstract

Based on the stakeholders and mass critical theories, this study analyzes the relationship between gender diversity on the board and the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of listed companies from Colombia and Mexico. Using a panel data composed by 477 observations during the period 2011-2016, empirical results show that the participation of women on the board increase the profitability and the international presence of the company, while the effect is negative over the leverage and environmental and social performance of the company. Nevertheless, the presence of three or more women on the board significanlty improves the CSR on the environmental and social dimensions. Similarly, the size and independence of the board enhance the CRS compliance. In this sense, the obtained results support the premise of the mass critical theory, which affirms that the presence of at least three women on the board motivates to a higher corporate performance. This research has practical implications for those responsible for issuing gender and CSR policies in Latin America.