Review of Women directors contribution to Board Decision-making - Book Report/Review Example

The elements of diversity, gender, and stereotypes were examined to determine their impact on women’s perceived role as members of the board of directors. Accordingly, the authors clearly defined their hypotheses as categorized into four, to wit: “the difference in women directors’ values is positively associated with women’s contribution to board decision-making; the difference in women directors’ professional experiences is positively associated with women’s contribution to board decision-making; the perception of women as unequal board members is negatively related to the contribution of women directors to board decision-making; and the relationship between the different values of women directors and women’s contribution to board decision-making will be weaker when women directors are not perceived as equal board members”( Nielsen & Huse, 2010, 18 – 19).

The findings from the study revealed the following: “(1) the impact of women board members on board decision-making depends not on their gender per se but rather on the prior professional experiences and particularly the values they bring along; (2) perception of women as unequal board members may limit their contribution to board decision-making; and (3) women directors’ contribution to board decision-making enhances board strategic involvement” (Nielsen & Huse, 2010, 22 & 25). One of the crucial issues examined was the role of diversity as an influencing factor to decision making.

The primary difference of the current study was the focus on women’s characteristics, values, and preferences, as distinct from just referring to gender as the qualifying issue. In addition, the concept of equality of perception was depicted as a controversial matter seriously impeding the advancement and promotion of women to board positions. These issues were clearly validated and crucial as they have been supported in various literatures as manifesting significant impact on women as active