How does female executives optimize enterprises' green governance performance?

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effects of female executive leadership on corporate green governance in the context of China. Female participation in corporate governance can significantly enhance green governance performance by bolstering social responsibility and alleviating funding limitations. Our findings are amplified in non-state-owned firms, where adaptable governance frameworks facilitate the incorporation of relational ethics into operational decisions. This study reveals that female CEOs deliberately address regulatory deficiencies in areas with inadequate institutional frameworks by integrating environmental goals into fundamental business practices, thus transforming ethical governance into a competitive advantage. These insights shift female leadership from mere diversity indicators to active agents for systemic green transformation.