The Ethics of Gender Narratives for United States Corporate Boards

Abstract

Across the globe, cities, states, and countries are moving towards improving gender diversity in corporate boardrooms. In 2003, Norway became the first developed country to institute a gender quota for corporate boards of directors, and other countries have followed suit. As the ratio of women to men residing in urban areas continues to rise, organizations like the United Nations have recognized women empowerment as a necessary goal. However, despite global efforts to increase gender equity, the United States still lags behind other countries in legislating to increase the number of women serving on its corporate boards. This Article argues that gender narratives are important in corporate boardrooms from the perspective of ethical and narrative inclusivity. It also proposes that increasing gender equity on corporate boards should not be viewed as a “quota” or “target” but rather as an “impact” that benefits corporations, their constituents, and society at large.

Keywords: gender, narrative, corporate, international, equity, impact

JEL Classification: 017, 035