The Impact of Board Gender Diversity on Environmental Innovation and the Mediating Role of the CSR Committee

Abstract

This study investigates how the corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee mediates the relationship between board gender diversity (BGD) and environmental innovation in European countries. This research analyzed data from non-financial companies listed in Europe over a period spanning from 2013 to 2022 in order to investigate the direct influence of BGD on environmental innovation. Moreover, this study also explored an indirect influence in the form of the mediating role of the CSR committee, thus making a noteworthy contribution to the field. Furthermore, by integrating insights from the areas of gender diversity, corporate governance, and sustainability, this research enhances our understanding of the various factors that influence environmental innovation. Indeed, the results indicate a positive and significant relationship between BGD and environmental innovation. Additionally, the findings showed that the CSR committee plays a partially mediating role in this relationship.