Sex, Trust, and Corporate Boards

25 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2006

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: August 11, 2006

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 Classification: G30, J71, K22, D63, D64, L20, M10

Suggested Citation

Heminway, Joan MacLeod, Sex, Trust, and Corporate Boards (August 11, 2006). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=924590 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.924590

Joan MacLeod Heminway (Contact Author)

University of Tennessee College of Law ( email )

1505 West Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996
United States
865-974-3813 (Phone)
865-974-0681 (Fax)

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