The impact of gender diversity within R&D teams

Abstract

This paper presents the evidence of the beneficial impact of gender diversity on innovation and R&D, where including more women in top management positions leverages the firm's innovation processes. This study also adds to the literature considering the role of national culture on the relationship between gender diversity and innovation. In particular, four Hofstede culture dimensions were investigated in 42 countries with cross-sectional analysis between 2013 and 2022. Leadership leaving out a woman's full potential not only excludes women individually and collectively, but also is a massive waste of talent, knowledge and experience. Therefore, according to the empirical analysis performed it is found that the general impact of gender diversity on innovation is positive, where female director’s value-added in organisations is undeniable.