Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics
Discussion Paper Series in Economics,
Norwegian School of Economics, Department of Economics
No 12/2025: The importance of co-determination for gender diversity in the boardroom
Astrid Kunze () and Katrin Scharfenkamp ()
Additional contact information
Astrid Kunze: Dept. of Economics, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, Postal: NHH, Department of Economics, Helleveien 30, N-5045 Bergen, Norway
Katrin Scharfenkamp: Dept. of Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Postal: Bielefeld University, Department of Sports Science, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Tyskland
Abstract: This study examines the interplay of co-determination law and board gender quotas using novel board-director panel data for Norway. We present descriptive evidence suggesting that boards with employee representatives on boards of directors were more gender diverse before the gender quota. Difference-in-differences estimation results reveal that the differential effect of employee representation on gender diversity is negative after implementing the quota. Boards with employee representatives have recruited fewer women during the phase-in period and the flexible quota tended to be ineffective. We interpret the effect through employee representation as a potential mediating factor of board gender quotas on gender diversity.
Keywords: Employee representation; boards of directors; gender; leadership affirmative action; public policy; shareholder directors; firm size
JEL-codes: G34; J16; J51; J53; J78; M54
Language: English
40 pages, May 15, 2025
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