Female directors and CSR: does the presence of female directors affect CSR focus?

Ren, X., Li, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0549-5551, Wang, X. and Lei, X. (2024) Female directors and CSR: does the presence of female directors affect CSR focus? International Review of Financial Analysis. 103101. ISSN 1873-8079 doi: 10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103101

Abstract/Summary

This study examines the impact of female directors on CSR by drawing on social role theory and literature about female leadership style. Using a sample of Chinese firms from 2007 to 2021, we show a strong correlation between female directors and an enhancement in aggregate and particularly, internal CSR engagement. The relationship between female director and external CSR is negative but not significant. Further analysis reveals that in regions with stronger societal expectations towards females, the contributions of female directors to CSR activities become more pronounced. Our findings further demonstrate that a critical mass of female directors on the board is necessary to exert substantial influence on internal CSR initiatives. Notably, we find that female directors in independent and monitoring roles particularly effective in advancing internal CSR initiatives.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/114818
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103101
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Real Estate and Planning
Publisher	Elsevier
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