Womens Participation and the Sustainability of Listed Commercial Banks in Nigeria

This study aimed at promoting gender equality in the corporate environment, hence, this study examined the participation of women in the leadership and workforce of listed commercial banks in Nigeria and how their participation in the business process of these organizations affects the business organization’s sustainability. The variables in this study were x-rayed through the theoretical lens of the glass ceiling theory and the critical mass theory. The study implored a quantitative research method, and an expost-facto research design was used. The study population consisted of the 12 listed commercial banks in Nigeria out of which a sample of the 7 listed commercial banks were purposively selected. Secondary data were obtained from the audited annual reports from the sample of 7 listed commercial banks used in this study which covered a time frame from 2010 to 2019. The data were analyzed using multiple regression model to examine the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variables. The result revealed that women participation in the activities of the listed commercial banks has a moderate positive effect on the profitability and asset growth of the listed commercial banks. In addition, the study further revealed that women’s participation leads to a significant increase in the profitability and asset growth of the listed commercial banks in Nigeria. In conclusion, it was deduced that the glass ceiling effect was valid in the case of the listed commercial banks in Nigeria. It is recommended that listed commercial banks in Nigeria develop and promote policies that support the participation of women in the business process.