ACFI5028 Dissertation: Literature Review on Gender Diversity in Boards

This dissertation draft presents a literature review exploring the complex relationship between board diversity, particularly gender diversity, and firm performance. The review synthesizes research from various regions, including Europe and Asia, examining the influence of female representation on corporate boards and its impact on financial metrics such as return on equity and Tobin's Q. The analysis covers diverse perspectives, considering factors like cultural context, the role of independent directors, and the effects of intra-firm networks. The review highlights conflicting findings, gaps in existing research, and the influence of diversity on various organizational dynamics, providing a basis for further investigation into the effects of board diversity on firm performance and the development of future research questions.