Authors
Walid Ben-Amar, Millicent Chang, Philip McIlkenny
Publication date
2017/5
Journal
Journal of business ethics
Volume
142
Issue
2
Pages
369-383
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Description
This paper investigates the effect of female representation on the board of directors on corporate response to stakeholders’ demands for increased public reporting about climate change-related risks. We rely on the Carbon Disclosure Project as a sustainability initiative supported by institutional investors. Greenhouse gas emissions measurement and its disclosure to investors can be thought of as a first step toward addressing climate change issues and reducing the firm’s carbon footprint. Based on a sample of publicly listed Canadian firms over the period 2008–2014, we find that the likelihood of voluntary climate change disclosure increases with women percentage on boards. We also find evidence that supports critical mass theory with regard to board gender diversity. These findings reinforce initiatives being undertaken around the world to promote gender diversity in corporate governance while demonstrating …
Total citations
201620172018201920202021202220232024824396592156185273188