Board gender diversity and scope 3 carbon emissions: The moderating impact of national culture

This study examines the impact of board gender diversity on carbon emissions performance, focusing on Scope 3 emissions, and assesses how cultural environments moderate this relationship. Using a robust econometric approach, we analyze data over a 15 year period from 336 multinational companies listed among the top 500 firms in the 2020 Forbes Global 2000. The findings reveal that board gender diversity significantly enhances carbon emissions performance by reducing Scope 3 emissions, with the effect being more pronounced in jurisdictions with higher levels of board diversity. The study also indicates that a higher critical mass of female directors is necessary for substantial reductions in Scope 3 emissions, compared to Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Additionally, the study's findings show that cultural factors play a pivotal role in the impact of board gender diversity on carbon emissions performance. The positive effect of gender-diverse boards on emissions reduction is more substantial in cultures characterized by high uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence. Overall, the study underscores the importance of culturally tailored approaches to corporate governance that account for the moderating influence that national culture plays on the effectiveness of gender-diverse boards in meeting sustainability targets.