The impact of gender equality in the workplace on firm productivity
Date
2019-12-11
Authors
Pascual, Alanis Anne B.
Samson, Maria Mikayla D.
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Abstract
Gender inequality has been a pressing issue worldwide, with a growing literature on its effects on
various sectors. This study adds to the literature by exploring the relationship between firm productivity
and gender diversity in the workplace, particularly in terms of ownership, top managerial positions, and
overall employment in the firm. By conducting Multivariate Linear Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Pooled
OLS, and Panel regressions on the World Bank’s 2009 and 2015 Enterprise Surveys for the Philippines, the
different gender diversity measures are linked to the various measures of firm productivity. The findings
show the importance of the actual influence of women, not merely their presence, in realizing the positive
effects of gender diversity on firm productivity. Having a female top manager has no robustly positive,
significant effect on productivity per se, but may have a positive significant effect when interacted with the
percentage of female workers in the workplace. The estimates associated with the firm’s overall workforce
are heavily dependent on factors, such as firm size and skill-type of employees. These results highlight the
importance of macroeconomic policies and legislation that encourage firms to create a conducive and
welcoming environment, not only for the sake of firm growth and productivity, but ultimately, for economic
development as well.
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Keywords
Gender equality, Workplace, Firm productivity