Multilevel Analysis of Gender Equity Disclosure

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate gender equity, with the aim of analyse the impact of country, sector, and company characteristics on corporate gender equity disclosure.   Theoretical Framework: The main concepts and theories that underpin the research are institutional theory with National Business System (NBS) approach.   Method: We collected information on gender equity disclosure from 3,726 companies in 58 countries over a 10-year interval from the Thomson Reuters database. Than, we use hierarchical analysis to link the degree of disclosure obtained by companies with variables at the macro, medium, and micro levels.   Results and Discussion: We found that the equity disclosure is particularly sensitive to company characteristics such as trade union representation, company size or board gender diversity. Country characteristics, such as enforcement capacity, pressure from unions, popular participation, and economic development positively affect gender equity disclosure. The sector does not present statistical significance to explain variations in gender disclosure.   Research Implications: These findings show that theoretical aspects of National Business System and multilevel characteristics approaches do provide empirical support to explain gender equity and its disclosure and help to resolve gender issues   Originality/Value: This research fills the gap resulting from the lack of multilevel analysis on gender equity disclosure and helps identify which level and characteristics prevail and have the greatest impact. Therefore, the results guide the intervention of different social spheres to promote gender equity.