Female Directors And Firm Characteristics: A USA UK Comparison

Abstract

Shareholders and other stakeholders are placing an increasing emphasis on corporate governance. The composition of a board is an important aspect of corporate governance. There is some evidence that gender diversity in the boardroom has an impact on the operations of a company. Both U.S. and UK corporations are increasing female representation on their boards. The purpose of this particular study is to compare gender diversity on U.S. and UK boards, and investigate some firm characteristics that may be associated with above or below average female representation.