Gender impact on business growth in Europe and the Middle East and North Africa

IF 3 Q2 BUSINESS, FINANCE

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research Pub Date : 2025-02-17 DOI:10.1108/jiabr-08-2024-0309

Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani, Mohamed Ashmel Mohamed Hashim, Issam Tlemsani, Ansarullah Tantry, James Whitehead

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引用次数: 35

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse how gender diversity within corporate boardrooms influences business growth, specifically comparing the contexts of Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It aims to explore the dynamics of gender representation in leadership roles, evaluate its impact on organizational performance and assess how cultural and socio-economic factors affect gender diversity in these distinct regions. The study seeks to provide insights that can inform policies promoting gender equality in leadership, contributing to improved decision-making and potentially enhancing business outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative and comparative approach, this study includes responses from 430 business leaders, with 210 from MENA and 220 from Europe. Data were collected through structured surveys and analysed using SPSS to determine the correlation between gender diversity in boardrooms and business growth. Data were collected through structured surveys and analysed using analysis of variance in SPSS to determine the potential gender diversity in boardrooms and business growth. Findings The analysis reveals a strong male dominance in decision-making roles in both European and MENA businesses, with men holding most power and influence. European boardrooms show slightly more gender diversity than MENA, though this does not consistently correlate with higher business growth. Interestingly, MENA reports stronger growth despite less diversity. Women leaders in both regions are effective and dedicated but remain underrepresented. Research limitations/implications The findings call for region-specific policies to enhance gender diversity in leadership, with Gender Equality Action Plans tailored to Europe and MENA. Businesses should adopt mentorship and inclusive policies to support growth through diverse leadership. Promoting diversity can drive workplace equality, supported by education. Further research on long-term impacts and stakeholder engagement is recommended to foster change. Originality/value This research enhances literature by examining women’s representation in gender-balanced boardrooms and addressing the East-West divide. It fills gaps with practical, policy and theoretical recommendations, offering valuable insights for businesses and policymakers promoting gender equality in leadership.

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性别对欧洲、中东和北非业务增长的影响

本研究的目的是分析公司董事会内部的性别多样性如何影响业务增长，特别是比较欧洲和中东和北非（MENA）地区的背景。它旨在探索领导角色中性别代表性的动态，评估其对组织绩效的影响，并评估文化和社会经济因素如何影响这些不同地区的性别多样性。该研究旨在提供见解，为促进领导层性别平等的政策提供信息，有助于改善决策，并有可能提高商业成果。本研究采用定量和比较的方法，包括430位商业领袖的回答，其中210位来自中东和北非地区，220位来自欧洲。通过结构化调查收集数据，并使用SPSS进行分析，以确定董事会性别多样性与业务增长之间的相关性。通过结构化调查收集数据，并使用SPSS中的方差分析进行分析，以确定董事会和业务增长中潜在的性别多样性。分析结果显示，在欧洲和中东和北非地区的企业中，男性在决策角色中占据主导地位，男性拥有最大的权力和影响力。欧洲董事会的性别多样性略高于中东和北非地区，尽管这并不总是与更高的业务增长相关。有趣的是，中东和北非地区尽管多样性较少，但增长强劲。这两个地区的女性领导人都很有效率，也很敬业，但她们的代表性仍然不足。研究的局限性/影响研究结果呼吁制定针对特定区域的政策，以加强领导层中的性别多样性，并制定针对欧洲和中东和北非地区的《性别平等行动计划》。企业应采取指导和包容性政策，通过多元化的领导来支持增长。在教育的支持下，促进多样性可以推动工作场所的平等。建议对长期影响和利益相关者参与进行进一步研究，以促进变革。独创性/价值本研究通过研究女性在性别平衡的董事会中的代表性和解决东西方差异，增强了文献。它填补了实践、政策和理论建议的空白，为企业和政策制定者促进领导力中的性别平等提供了宝贵的见解。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research BUSINESS, FINANCE-

CiteScore

4.80

自引率

22.70%

发文量

期刊介绍： The journal provides a dynamic forum for the advancement of accounting and business knowledge based on Shari’ah and Islamic activities that have an impact on the welfare of society. JIABR publishes articles on the interplay between Islamic business ethics, accounting, auditing and governance, in promoting accountability, socio-economic justice (adl) and everlasting success (al-falah). It seeks to inform, among others, current theoretical and empirical research and practice in Islamic accounting, auditing and corporate governance, management of Islamic organizations, accounting regulation and policy for Islamic institutions, Shari’ah auditing and corporate governance, financial and non-financial performance measurement and disclosure in Islamic institutions and organizations. All styles of research, theoretical and empirical, case studies, practice-based papers and research notes that are well written and falling within the journal''s scope, are generally welcomed by the journal. Scope/Coverage Development of accounting, auditing and corporate governance concepts based on Shari’ah Socio-political influence on accounting and auditing regulation and policy making for Islamic financial institutions and organizations Historical perspectives on Islamic accounting, auditing and financial management Critical analysis on issues and challenges on accounting disclosure and measurement, Shari’ah audit and corporate governance Controls and risks in Islamic organizations Financial and non-financial performance measurement and disclosure.