From home to boardroom: Marital status and its influence on ESG disclosure

Abstract

AbstractThis research article investigates the relationship between the marital status of board members and organizations' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure, with Jordan as the study context. The investigation, grounded in established governance theories, primarily agency theory, stewardship theory, and social identity theory, adds a novel dimension to the discourse on corporate governance perspective. The study sample included 81 nonfinancial companies listed on the Amman stoke exchange from 2012 to 2021. The findings disclose a pronounced positive relationship between married board members and ESG disclosure separately and collectively, pointing to a normative commitment emanating from their personal lives that extends into their roles as corporate stewards, influencing corporate sustainability, and ethical governance. Conversely, the results did not indicate a relationship between single board members and ESG disclosure. The study underscores the importance of considering the personal attributes of board members in shaping corporate governance and ESG practices. Also, it encourages a broader perspective on how diverse personal backgrounds can enhance sustainability and ethical values within organizations by advocating for boards that reflect diverse marital statuses and a commitment to family values, benefitting not only shareholders but also society at large.