Women on boards
An integrative approach
This is be the first comprehensive study on WoB to be made in Portugal. It adopts an innovative integrative approach.
Firstly, it is intended to enhance both theory and practice by integrating scientific contributions from the fields of sociology, gender studies, management and finance, and by employing mixed-research methods. Secondly, it seeks to adopt a triangular analytical perspective by looking into the macro, meso and micro levels. Thirdly, it is also intended to integrate inputs, processes and outcomes; in addition to the full characterisation of the profile of men and women on the boards of state-owned and listed companies (inputs), the project is designed to look into the social dynamics of the boardroom (processes) and the respective outcomes.
In this regard, the focus is on the extent to which an increasing share of WoB leads to a review of internal corporate policies, practices and processes, eliciting more gender-inclusive work organisation models and managerial policies and practices. Finally, this study seeks to integrate theory, research, policy and practice, by institutionalising a forum for debate (a think tank), involving scholars, policymakers, representatives from gender equality bodies, key business actors and grass-root women’s organisations in evidence-based reflections on gender balance on boards and the impact on challenging gender stereotypes and sustaining gender-equality values in society.
