Ain't I a Director? Gender Diversity and Boards

Even though the issue of diversity in organisations has become an increasingly important one there remains a
gap in the literature on gender and governance. This gap is reflected in the absence of women governing
organisations. Texts on corporate governance are pointing to a crisis in organisational governance. Now is a
key time to advocate for gender diversity in organisations as a way out of this crisis – leading to improved
innovation, problem solving and decision-making within organisations. Gender diversity makes sound business
sense and writers have pointed at the business case for diversity. The increased representation on boards is not to be seen only as a women’s issue but also as an urgent political issue and risk management issue. The threat to introduce legislation in Norway for 40% women on corporate boards has brought this issue into the political frame. The key challenge ahead is to demonstrate the strong relationship between gender diversity, good corporate governance and high corporate performance. New research findings are discussed in this paper.