A participação feminina nos conselhos de administração e o desempenho corporativo: um estudo sobre as empresas listadas na BM&FBOVESPA de 2002 a 2011

Abstract

This study examines the issue of women’s inclusion in the board of directors. Specifically, it investigates whether there is a relationship between the share of female directors and the economic and financial performance measured by return on assets (ROA) and Tobin Q. In order to test the hypotheses, we used data of companies listed on the BMF & BOVESPA, from 2002 to 2011. As a result of the research, it was not found a significant relationship between female participation on boards of directors and ROA performance measure; it ́s estimated on panel data. Q Tobin showed positive significance in regression done through the panel data when the independent variable is estimated by dummy, existence of women in the board of directors is numbered as 1, or the no existence of women in the board of directors is numbered as 0 (ZERO). When the independent variable is tested by proportion of women participation in the board of directors the relation show not significance at 1%, at 5% and at 10%. The adjusted R², however, presented results below 3%, representing a slight relationship between the variables of the model and its possible influence on performance. Through theoretical analysis (institutional theory) suggest that gender may have both a positive and negative, or neutral effect about the economic and financial performance of the company. Statistical analysis supports the theoretical position of no effect, positive or negative. The results are consistent with the explanation that institutions represent values, rules, norms and evolve over time, and therefore the presence of women on the board can be different in different circumstances and at different times. In the analysis, it could not be stated strongly that the presence of women contributes to the economic and financial performance of the company. However, it was not found any evidence of any negative effect. The result of the study suggests that decisions regarding the appointment of women to boards of directors should be based on criteria other than economic financial performance.