Board Mix and Women CEOs: What Really Matters

A new study examines how the mix of people on a company board can influence who becomes its chief executive.

The research builds on earlier work that showed more women on boards increase the likelihood of a woman being hired as CEO.

Three Dimensions of Board Diversity

1. Variety – The number of different kinds of people on a board (age, gender, background).
2. Separation – The extent to which board members hold distinct roles or responsibilities.
3. Disparity – How power or influence is distributed among directors.

Key Findings

• Separation: Boards that are diverse in separation boost the chance a woman will become CEO.
• Disparity: Boards that are diverse in disparity—where power is unevenly spread—weaken that chance.

Implications

Simply having a mix of people is not enough. The way board members collaborate and share power plays a crucial role in promoting gender diversity at the top.

This study offers fresh insight into why some companies still struggle to appoint women as CEOs, highlighting the importance of balanced roles and influence within the boardroom.