ESCP Europe

Item type

Study and report

Dissertation

• MIM Master in Management Grande Ecole

Language

English

Publication year

2015

Subjects

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY - BOARD OF DIRECTORS - MERGER AND ACQUISITION - COMPETITIVENESS - SOCIAL POLICY

Geographical area

NORVEGE

The Norwegian government imposed a 40% gender diversity quota to boardrooms in 2005. This context provides a unique opportunity to study causal relations between board composition and financial performance. The unclear historical and empirical evidence opened doors to different and contradicting interpretations on the relationship between board characteristics and financial performance and corporate policies. Previous research has documented a negative effect of new younger female directors on Tobins Q through an increase in debt funded acquisitions. This thesis questions any relationship between externally imposed gender diversity quotas and corporate value and policies, such as M&A activity.