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Kiefer, Kip, Mark Heileman & Timothy L. Pett (2022): Does gender still matter? An examination of small business performance. In: Small business economics, Jg. 58, H. 1, S. 141-167. DOI:10.1007/s11187-020-00403-2

Abstract

"This study provides novel insights into gender differences in small business outcomes. We analyze the first publicly available microdata from the 2007 US Census Bureau PUMS dataset, in a manner similar to (Fairlie and Robb's in Small Business Economics, 33, 375–395 2009) analysis of the 1992 CBO dataset, and explore differences in female-led versus male-led firms' business performances over a 15-year period. Findings indicate that gender differences persist and that female-led businesses continue to trail male-led businesses in survival rates, profits, employment (i.e., firm size), and sales. We also extend the work by (Fairlie and Robb in Small Business Economics, 33, 375–395 2009), by examining new performance and predictor measures, including payroll firm and longevity. We find that female-led businesses trail male-led businesses in these variables as well. However, the news is not all bad. Our findings also reveal that, although female-led businesses continue to trail male-led businesses in performance outcomes, both female- and male-led businesses are improving and in some cases performance improvements by female-led businesses are out-pacing their male-led counterparts." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Springer-Verlag) ((en))

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Lorenzen, Solvej & Joern Block (2022): Geschlechterdiversität im Management von mittelständischen Familienunternehmen. In: Personal quarterly, Jg. 74, H. 4, S. 22-27.

Abstract

"Welchen Einfluss haben weibliche Familien- und Nichtfamilien-CEOs auf die Anzahl und den Anteil weiblicher Nichtfamilienmitglieder im Management von mittelständischen Familienunternehmen? Deskriptive Analyse und lineare Regression. 1.139 mittelständische Familienunternehmen im Maschinenbausektor Praktische Implikationen: Wir finden einen positiven Einfluss weiblicher NichtfamilienCEOs und einen negativen Einfluss weiblicher Familien-CEOs auf die Anzahl weiblicher Nichtfamilienmitglieder im Management von mittelständischen Familienunternehmen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku, © Haufe-Lexware)

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Miller, Conrad, Jennifer Peck & Mehmet Seflek (2022): Integration Costs and Missing Women in Firms around the World. In: AEA papers and proceedings, Jg. 112, S. 578-582. DOI:10.1257/pandp.20221084

Abstract

"Where social norms favor gender segregation, firms may find it costly to employ both men and women. If the costs of integration are largely fixed, firms will integrate only if their expected number of female employees under integration exceeds some threshold. We use the distribution of female employment to estimate the share of firms with binding integration costs. Using global survey data, we find evidence for these binding integration costs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South Asia but not in other regions. We also show that the intensity of gender segregation preferences is correlated with these integration costs in the MENA region." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Yang, Yang, Tanya Y. Tian, Teresa K. Woodruff, Benjamin F. Jones & Brian Uzzi (2022): Gender-diverse teams produce more novel and higher-impact scientific ideas. In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Jg. 119, H. 36. DOI:10.1073/pnas.2200841119

Abstract

"Science’s changing demographics raise new questions about research team diversity and research outcomes. We study mixed-gender research teams, examining 6.6 million papers published across the medical sciences since 2000 and establishing several core findings. First, the fraction of publications by mixed-gender teams has grown rapidly, yet mixed-gender teams continue to be underrepresented compared to the expectations of a null model. Second, despite their underrepresentation, the publications of mixed-gender teams are substantially more novel and impactful than the publications of same-gender teams of equivalent size. Third, the greater the gender balance on a team, the better the team scores on these performance measures. Fourth, these patterns generalize across medical subfields. Finally, the novelty and impact advantages seen with mixed-gender teams persist when considering numerous controls and potential related features, including fixed effects for the individual researchers, team structures, and network positioning, suggesting that a team’s gender balance is an underrecognized yet powerful correlate of novel and impactful scientific discoveries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Carbonero, Francesco, Francesco Devicienti, Alessandro Manello & Davide Vannoni (2021): Women on board and firm export attitudes: Evidence from Italy. In: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Jg. 192, S. 159-175. DOI:10.1016/j.jebo.2021.10.011

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Card, David, Fabrizio Colella & Rafael Lalive (2021): Gender Preferences in Job Vacancies and Workplace Gender Diversity. (NBER working paper), Cambridge, Mass, 69 S. DOI:10.3386/w29350

Abstract

"In spring 2005, Austria launched a campaign to inform employers and newspapers that gender preferences in job advertisements were illegal. At the time over 40% of openings on the nation’s largest job-board specified a preferred gender. Over the next year the fraction fell to under 5%. We merge data on filled vacancies to linked employer-employee data to study how the elimination of gender preferences affected hiring and job outcomes. Prior to the campaign, most stated preferences were concordant with the firm’s existing gender composition, but a minority targeted the opposite gender - a subset we call non-stereotypical vacancies. Vacancies with a gender preference were very likely (>90%) to be filled by someone of that gender. We use pre-campaign vacancies to predict the probabilities of specifying preferences for females, males, or neither gender. We then conduct event studies of the effect of the campaign on the predicted preference groups. We find that the elimination of gender preferences led to a rise in the fraction of women hired for jobs that were likely to be targeted to men (and vice versa), increasing the diversity of hiring workplaces. Partially offsetting this effect, we find a reduction in the success of non-stereotypical vacancies in hiring the targeted gender, and indications of a decline in the efficiency of matching. For the much larger set of stereotypical vacancies, however, vacancy filling times, wages, and job durations were largely unaffected by the campaign, suggesting that the elimination of stated preferences had at most small consequences on overall job match efficiency." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Clark, Andrew E., Conchita D'Ambrosio & Rong Zhu (2021): Job quality and workplace gender diversity in Europe. In: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Jg. 183, S. 420-432. DOI:10.1016/j.jebo.2021.01.012

Abstract

"We here consider the relationship between workplace gender measures and employees’ perceived job quality, where the former cover both the gender mix of workers with the same job title and the gender of the immediate boss. Data from the 2015 European Working Conditions Survey show that men’s job evaluation is higher in gender-balanced job positions at the workplace, while that of women is higher in either gender-balanced or male-dominated positions. The gender of the immediate boss plays no significant role in employee job evaluation. There is some evidence that these correlations differ by job-quality domains. We introduce co-worker support and help, gender discrimination, and unwanted sexual attention as possible mediators of the gender-mix correlations: these change the estimated coefficients only little. Our estimated correlations could therefore reflect a pure preference for job-position gender composition. Last, we use a bounding approach to show that our main results are robust to the potential influence of unobservables. Overall, job-position gender diversity is associated with higher worker well-being." (Author's abstract, © 2021 Elsevier) ((en))

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Criscuolo, Chiara, Peter Gal, Timo Leidecker & Giuseppe Nicoletti (2021): The human side of productivity: Uncovering the role of skills and diversity for firm productivity. (OECD productivity working papers 29), Paris: OECD Publishing, 66 S. DOI:10.1787/5f391ba9-en

Abstract

"Relying on linked employer-employee datasets from 10 countries, this paper documents that the skills and the diversity of the workforce and of managers – the human side of businesses – account on average for about one third of the labour productivity gap between firms at the productivity “frontier” (the top 10% within each detailed industry) and medium performers at the 40-60 percentile of the productivity distribution. The composition of skills, especially the share of high skills, varies the most along the productivity distribution, but low and medium skilled employees make up a substantial share of the workforce even at the frontier. High skills show positive but decreasing productivity returns. Moreover, the skill mix of top firms varies markedly across countries, pointing to the role of different strategies pursued by firms in different policy environments. We also find that managerial skills play a particularly important role, also through complementarities with worker skills. Gender and cultural diversity among managers – and to a lesser extent, among workers – is positively related to firm productivity as well. We discuss public policies that can facilitate the catch-up of firms below the frontier through skills and diversity. These cover a wide range of areas, exerting their influence through three main channels: the supply, upgrading and the matching across firms (the SUM) of skills and other human factors." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Drydakis, Nick (2021): The Economics of Being LGBT. A Review 2015-2020. (IZA discussion paper 14845), Bonn, 26 S.

Abstract

"This paper reviews studies on LGBT workplace outcomes published between 2015 and 2020. In terms of earnings differences, in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, gay men were found to experience earnings penalties of 7% in comparison to heterosexual men, bisexual men experienced earnings penalties of 9% in comparison to heterosexual men, and bisexual women faced earnings penalties of 5% in comparison to heterosexual women. In the same regions, lesbian women experienced an earnings premium of 7% in comparison to heterosexual women. Trans women, in the US and Europe, faced earnings penalties ranging from 4% to 20%. In terms of job satisfaction, in the US, Canada, and Europe, gay men, and lesbian women experienced 15% and 12%, respectively lower job satisfaction than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, bullying against sexual minorities has persisted. In the UK, sexual minorities who experienced frequent school-age bullying faced a 32% chance of experiencing frequent workplace bullying. In relation to job exclusions, in OECD countries, gay men and lesbian women were found to experience 39% and 32%, respectively lower access to occupations than comparable heterosexual men and women. For trans men and women in Europe, comparable patterns are in evidence. Given these patterns, it is not of surprise that LGBT people in the US and the UK experience higher poverty rates than heterosexual and cis people. However, in these two regions, anti-discrimination laws and positive actions in the workplace helped reduce the earnings penalties for gay men, enhance trans people's self-esteem, spur innovation and firms' performance, and boost marketing capability, corporate profiles, and customer satisfaction. The evidence indicated that LGBT inclusion and positive economic outcomes mutually reinforced each other." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Gong, Yundan & Sourafel Girma (2021): Top management gender diversity and performance: in search of threshold effects. In: Cambridge Journal of Economics, Jg. 45, H. 1, S. 109-127. DOI:10.1093/cje/beaa045

Abstract

"The impact of gender diversity on business performance has been featured prominently on the agenda of many politicians and business leaders in recent years. However, empirical results of the impact of gender diversity on firm performance have been ambiguous. This paper contributes to the literature by using propensity score-based estimation techniques on a large sample of UK firms to analyse the performance effect of appointing a first female board director. We look at financial and non-financial performance indicators and document significant effects on firm growth and labour cost efficiency, but rather fragile ones on accounting returns, such as profitability. We also document evidence of another threshold effect; namely, gender diversity appears to have its highest impact (its 'ceiling') when the proportion of female directors is approximately 30%. Carrying out a sensitivity analysis, we conclude that hidden bias must be implausibly high to be able to attribute the beneficial effects of boardroom gender diversity to unmeasured confounding." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Icks, Annette, Teita Bijedić, Rosemarie Kay, Philipp Latzke & Andreas Merx (2021): Der Schutz vor Diskriminierung und die Förderung personaler Vielfalt im Arbeitsleben. Umsetzungsstand und Praxis in Unternehmen, Verwaltungen und Organisationen des Dritten Sektors. Berlin, 184 S.

Abstract

"Die Studie untersucht, inwiefern Diversity-Maßnahmen und Maßnahmen des Diskriminierungsschutzes rund 15 Jahre nach Einführung des AGG und der Gründung der Charta der Vielfalt in Unternehmen, Verwaltungen und dem Dritten Sektor umgesetzt werden. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Frage, wie Arbeitgeber*innen und Personalverantwortliche das AGG in der Praxis bewerten und inwiefern Diskriminierungsschutz und Vielfaltsförderung Einzug in die Unternehmens- und Organisationskulturen gehalten haben. In der qualitativen Studie wurden aufbauend auf einer Literaturrecherche und Expert*innen-Interviews, die Geschäftsführungen oder Personalverantwortlichen von 50 Unternehmen, Verwaltungen und Organisationen des Dritten Sektors befragt. Aus den Befragungsergebnissen wurden konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen formuliert." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Lackner, Mario (2021): Gender differences in competitiveness. To what extent can different attitudes towards competition for men and women explain the gender gap in labor markets? (IZA world of labor 236), 10 S. DOI:10.15185/izawol.236.v2

Abstract

"In addition to the well-documented gender pay gap, women are globally under-represented in top-level jobs. One obvious explanation for this is discrimination. Differences in attitudes toward competition, which are observed in the empirical literature, offer another explanation. These differences could partly explain the gender gaps in labor market outcomes. A future challenge is to mitigate the negative consequences of these gaps on the way to achieving gender equality in labor markets. Reforms of the educational systems could help to encourage competitive attitudes and affect educational choices of women. One possibility is to consider gender-segregated education in specific subjects. Some evidence suggests that any intervention is most likely to be successful during early ages. In contrast, preferences regarding competitiveness are found to evolve over time." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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(2021): Das deutsche Diversitäts-Dilemma. German Diversity Monitor 2021. (German Diversity Monitor 2), Düsseldorf, 17 S.

Abstract

"Mit dem German Diversity Monitor 2021 erfolgt nach 2020 zum zweiten Mal eine Bestandsaufnahme der Diversität in den Vorständen bzw. in den Geschäftsführungen führender deutscher Unternehmen sowie des inklusiven Arbeitsumfelds in deutschen Unternehmen. Dadurch sollen Fortschritte und Veränderungen identifiziert und die Wirkung der Diversitätsinitiative BeyondGenderAgenda messbar gemacht werden." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Azmat, Ghazala & Anne Boring (2020): Gender Diversity in Firms. (IZA policy paper 168), Bonn, 34 S.

Abstract

"This paper explores the recent efforts by the corporate world and public policy to increase the number of women in leadership positions in the workplace. We review and empirically evaluate the "business case" for gender equality, showing some evidence in favour of it. Despite the evidence and growing support, progress towards more diversity in leadership positions has been slow. We study the importance of supply-side constraints, as well as the main diversity policies (gender quotas, mentoring and network programs, diversity training to change firm culture, and family friendly policies) that have been implemented. We focus on the effectiveness of these policies, their shortcomings, as well as potential future steps that could help guide policy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Azmat, Ghazala & Anne Boring (2020): Gender Diversity in Firms. In: Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Jg. 36, H. 4, S. 760-782. DOI:10.1093/oxrep/graa043

Abstract

"This paper explores the recent efforts by the corporate world and public policy to increase the number of women in leadership positions in the workplace. We review and empirically evaluate the 'business case' for gender equality, showing some evidence in favour of it. Despite the evidence and growing support, progress towards more diversity in leadership positions has been slow. We study the importance of supply-side constraints, as well as the main diversity policies (gender quotas, mentoring and network programmes, diversity training to change firm culture, and family friendly policies) that have been implemented. We focus on the effectiveness of these policies, their shortcomings, as well as potential future steps that could help guide policy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Backman, Mikaela & Janet E. Kohlhase (2020): Labor force diversity and firm survival. In: Journal of regional science, Jg. 60, H. 5, S. 903-928. DOI:10.1111/jors.12488

Abstract

"We analyze the influence that the diversity of individuals, both within a firm and in the region where the firm is located, has on firm survival. We estimate a hazard model using microdata for Swedish firms for the years 2002-2013. Results show that firm-specific diversity in education, age, and gender are positively associated with firm survival. However, firm-specific diversity by place of origin is negatively associated with firm survival. Yet the cultural diversity among the inhabitants in the region where the firm is located enhances firm survival. Magnitudes of the effects vary by region and industrial sector." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Bächmann, Ann-Christin, Corinna Frodermann, Daniela Grunow, Marina Hagen & Dana Müller (2020): Family-friendly organizational arrangements - anything but "a fuss" (over nothing)! In: IAB-Forum H. 20.02.2020, o. Sz., 2020-02-17.

Abstract

"In Germany, more and more companies are offering measures to improve the reconciliation of family and work. This carries benefits for companies and employees alike, because family-friendly measures help women to return to their previous employer faster and more frequently." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Comi, Simona, Mara Grasseni, Federica Origo & Laura Pagani (2020): Where women make a difference: Gender quotas and firms' performance in three European countries. In: ILR review, Jg. 73, H. 3, S. 768-793. DOI:10.1177/0019793919846450

Abstract

"The authors study the effect of corporate board gender quotas on firm performance in France, Italy, and Spain. The identification strategy exploits the exogenous variation in mandated gender quotas within country and over time and uses a counterfactual methodology. Using firm-level accounting data and a difference-in-difference estimator, the authors find that gender quotas had either a negative or an insignificant effect on firm performance in the countries considered with the exception of Italy, where they find a positive impact on productivity. The authors then focus on Italy. Using a novel data set containing detailed information on board members' characteristics, they offer possible explanations for the positive effect of gender quotas. The results provide an important contribution to the policy debate about the optimal design of legislation on corporate gender quotas." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Dixon-Fyle, Sundiatu, Vivian Hunt, Kevin Dolan & Sara Prince (2020): Diversity wins: How inclusion matters. New York, NY, 52 S.

Abstract

"The business case for inclusion and diversity (I&D) is stronger than ever. For diverse companies, the likelihood of outperforming industry peers on profitability has increased over time, while the penalties are getting steeper for those lacking diversity. Progress on representation has been slow, yet a few firms are making real strides. A close look at these diversity winners shows that a systematic, business-led approach and bold, concerted action on inclusion are needed to make progress." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kuzmina, Olga & Valentina Melentyeva (2020): Gender diversity in corporate boards: Evidence from quota-implied discontinuities. (CEPR discussion paper 14942), London, 54 S.

Abstract

"We use data across European corporate boards to investigate the effects of quota-induced female representation, under minimal possible identification assumptions. We find that having more women in board causally increases Tobin's Q, despite some negative effects on operating performance and more likely employment downsizings. We interpret this evidence as firms scaling down inefficient operations. Our results highlight that gender quotas are not necessarily a costly way of promoting equality." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))