This Technical Note is structured in four sections: (1) Introduction (2) Women´s contribution to Corporate Governance (3) What can be done to incorporate more women on Boards of Directors? (4) Conclusions and recommendations.
The introduction presents data on the participation of women on the Boards of major European companies, and the initiatives carried out by the United Nations, the European Commission and Governments to increase their presence. The fundamental argument of this note is the added value of diversity to the decision-making processes, through a broader and more diverse spectrum of perspectives, ideas and opinions, something that is obtained basically through a varied composition of the Board.
The section on Women´s contribution to Corporate Governance argues that female directors differ from their male colleagues in many aspects; in their characteristics, in their perspectives, ideas, skills and style, and in the links and relationships they establish with interest groups and with society in general.
Supported by recent international academic research, this technical note classifies and develops the contributions of the directors in four different areas:
1. Contribution with task relevant information to the decision-making process
2. Contribution through behavior and leadership style.
3. Contribution to internal work processes
4. Contribution to board´s functions
Finally, it develops the actions and measures taken to increase the participation of Women on Boards and ends with conclusions and recommendations
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