Amplifying the Effect of Gender Diverse Leadership: Why and When Top Management Team Gender Diversity Impacts Employees’ Workplace Experiences

• In Event: Governance and Managerial Ability

Abstract

We investigate the impact of top management team (TMT) gender diversity on improving workplace experiences. Drawing on upper echelon and signaling theories, we argue that TMT gender diversity integrates a more collaborative and employee-centered management style that is
more likely to improve the workplace by implementing a greater work-life balance and a positive organizational culture. Across two studies, we find employees’ ratings of work-life balance and organizational culture are significantly higher in organizations when women are members of the TMT. Additionally, we find our results are strengthened in younger firms and firms with a more centralized operating structure. Theoretical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Sijing Wei, Creighton University

• Yiding Wang, University of Oklahoma

• Regina Taylor, Creighton University

• Darryl Rice, Miami University