Adapting to uncertainty: Gender diversity in boardrooms and its role in enhancing sustainable corporate governance and ESG performance in the era of COVID-19

Abstract

This research investigates the role of women as a moderator variable in the relationship between governance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance during the COVID-19 crisis. Using the sample of firms from five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, the results show that the presence of women in a board structure has a positive impact on ESG performance during the normal era. However, the woman board members have not proven to strengthen the relationship between governance and ESG performance during the COVID-19 era. This could be caused by the fact that in the COVID-19 era, firms need to concentrate more on short-term profit to survive. However, we believe their presence will improve the company’s reputation and speed up the firm’s recovery during times of crisis.