The Influence of Board Gender Diversity on the Sustainable Development Goals Reporting: Evidence from Portuguese Companies

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of female presence on boards on the level of disclosure about the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Methodology and Sample: This study used a content analysis of the sustainability/integrated reports published by a sample of the largest Portuguese listed companies. A set of panel data regression analyses on the SDGs disclosure index from 2016 until 2020 was run. Research Findings: It was expected that there would be higher levels of SDGs-related disclosures in companies with female presence on boards. However, the results do not reveal any significant association with the dependent variable (SDG_IND). Contrary to our expectation, the presence of female on boards does not influence the disclosure about the SDGs in the largest listed companies. Theoretical/Academic Implications: Little research has addressed the influence of females on SDGs reporting (Rosati & Faria, 2019b, Pizzi et al., 2021). To the best of our knowledge, this study provides a first insight at the influence of the board gender diversity on SDGs reporting in the Portuguese context. Practitioner/Policy Implications: This study helps to highlight the importance of women on boards' role by increasing awareness about UN 2030 Agenda and ensuring the transparency of SDGs-related disclosure. Thus, our findings could have implications for policy formulation, to encourage board gender diversity and its effects on SDGs reporting quality.