"Stalled: Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards" by Barbara Black
 

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

In this essay, prepared for the University of Dayton College of Law’s Symposium on Perspectives on Gender and Business Ethics: Women in Corporate Governance, held on February 25, 2011, I discuss the lack of progress in achieving gender diversity on corporate boards.

I first review the numbers that demonstrate that progress is stalled, despite the attention and resources devoted to the issue by a number of well-respected organizations, legal scholars and institutional investors. I argue that, because this is an issue of equal opportunity, it is not really necessary to make a business case to justify increased efforts toward board diversity.

I then look at government initiatives, or lack thereof, in three areas: NYSE Corporate Governance Standards, SEC Proxy Disclosure Enhancement Amendments, and the TARP bailouts. I conclude that the government is unlikely to lead efforts for change and that institutional investors should assert leadership. This is a slog to equality.

Share

COinS