Board diversity and corporate social responsibility in Jordan
Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting
ISSN: 1985-2517
Article publication date: 3 October 2016
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of board diversity characteristics, namely, independence, gender, age and nationality of directors on the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures.
Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis was used to determine CSR disclosure. This study used panel data analysis to investigate the influence of board diversity characteristics on CSR disclosures.
Findings
Panel data analysis show that the level of CSR disclosure has increased over the period of study. Results also reveal a positive and significant association between the level of CSR disclosure and board diversity variables.
Research limitations/implications
This study examined only companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange. Therefore, the generalisation of the results might be limited to the listed companies only.
Practical implications
Findings are relevant to policymakers, professional organisations and practitioners in Jordan and in other Arab countries.
Social implications
The role of women in the boardroom is important to ensure more CSR activities by the listed companies. Jordan being a Muslim country should take the initiative to introduce laws to increase the number of women to the board.
Originality/value
This study offers significant contributions to existing CSR literature in Jordan and in other Arab countries by introducing female directors. Findings are important to policymakers. They should implement quotas for women in the boardroom, and adopting such a policy will increase the participation of women in the decision-making process of the companies and reduce gender bias.
Keywords
Citation
Ibrahim, A.H. and Hanefah, M.M. (2016), "Board diversity and corporate social responsibility in Jordan", Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 279-298. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFRA-06-2015-0065
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited