Gender balance and productivity (D5.6)
Discussions on gender balance benefits are increasing, which is important for the society’s continuing route towards equality. While research and practice has shown that gender diverse groups outperform single gender groups by with diverse perspectives and a good work environment, the relationship between gender balance and firm performance overall remains understudied.
We broaden the discussion from gender in management to the role of gender balance in knowledge intensive occupations which central for the creation of new knowledge and innovations. With unique panel data, we look at the Danish businesses from services and manufacturing from 2000 to 2016 and investigate firms’ productivity gains from gender balance. We approximate gender balance with share of women in knowledge producing positions. Focus on these personnel is chosen as they make the strategic decisions and produce knowledge capital.
We find that firm productivity is increasing in the share of women in knowledge intensive positions. This provides an economic argument for gender equality policies.
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