Gender diversity, intellectual capital, and family ownership: An empirical test of Kanter's hypothesis

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between gender diversity and intellectual capital performance, and moderating role of family ownership on this relationship. The study used 3730 firm‐year observations of 307 nonfinancial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2008–2020 and employed ordinary least squares regression analysis to test the hypotheses. More specifically, the study used group composition (skewed board, tilted board, and balanced board) to examine multiple significance levels of gender diversity on boards, and used five measures (modified value‐added intellectual coefficient, human capital efficiency, structural capital efficiency, relational capital efficiency, and capital employed efficiency) of intellectual capital performance. Using lens of agency theory and resource dependence theory, we found that gender diversity positively influences intellectual capital performance, however, the strongest impact is apparent in case of balanced board. Moreover, family ownership positively influences this relationship. Our study complements the efforts of policy makers by providing empirical support for the mandatory placement of females on boards and urge them to increase number of females on corporate boards to derive maximum benefits of female directors. In addition, our results recommend the enhancement of the professional skills of women work force to ensure their maximum participation in the corporate sector.