Board gender diversity and ethical behaviour

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2023-07-11

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en

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether the results from the general population regarding the differences between men and women in terms of ethical behaviour could be generalized to a specific organizational leadership role as a board member. It is known from the social literature and theories that men and women differ in their ethical behaviour, with women exhibiting more ethical behaviour than men. However, questions have repeatedly been raised concerning the generalizability of these results from the general population regarding organizational leadership roles. Contextual factors could have a substantial influence on board members' behaviour and are not considered in social theories. This study found that male and female board members were indeed not significantly different from each other in ethical behaviour, despite the considerations from social theories regarding the general population. Also, male, and female board members show higher levels of ethical behaviour than male and female non-board members. It is therefore highly relevant for organizations to not only consider gender differences as the main factor for board member behaviour. Contextual and individual factors could potentially also be of influence.

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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen

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