Gender Diversity and Performance in the Ecuadorian Financial Sector

Abstract

The financial sector is characterized by a greater presence of men in senior management levels. For this reason, this paper aims to determine the influence of gender diversity on the financial performance of these institutions. This article analyzes a sample of 31 savings and credit cooperatives, as well as the 24 private banks in Ecuador. Gender diversity was measured with three indicators: the percentage of women, the Blau Index and the Shannon Index; the performance variable was measured with ROA and ROE and the debt ratio; and with a quantitative approach they were related through econometric models. The results show that cooperatives have greater gender diversity than banks. Gender diversity does affect ROA but not ROE or indebtedness. Greater inclusion of women in management positions is still required for better diversity.