Sex, Trust, and Corporate Boards

Abstract:     
This essay collects and interprets social science research on sex and trust and uses this work to shed new light on the emerging case for gender diversity on corporate boards. Specifically, the essay describes research findings that indicate (1) that men and women trust and are trustworthy on different bases and (2) that there is a bias against women in corporate leadership positions. Based on this research and current legal scholarship on corporate governance, the essay asserts that gender diversity on corporate boards may be desirable but difficult to attain. The essay also calls for more targeted research on the links among sex, trusting behavior, trustworthiness, and corporate board membership.

Keywords: sex, gender, trust, corporate governance, director, board

JEL Classifications: G30, J71, K22, D63, D64, L20, M10

Working Paper Series