Browsing by Author "Gimeno, Ricardo"
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Publication Network diffusion of gender diversity on boards: A process of two-speed opposing forces(Public Library of Science, 2022) Gimeno, Ricardo; Cabo, Ruth Mateos de; Grau, Pilar; Gabaldón, Patricia; https://ror.org/02jjdwm75Network diffusion processes or how information spreads through networks have been widely examined in numerous disciplines such as epidemiology,physics,sociology,politics,or computer science. In this paper,we extend previous developments by considering a generalization of the diffusion by considering the possibility of differences in the speed of diffusion and reduction depending on the forces’ directions. In this situation,the differential speed of diffusion produces deviations from the standard solution around the average of the initial conditions in the network. In fact,this asymmetry gives rise to non-linear dynamics in which,contrary to the symmetric case,the final solution depends on the topology of the graph as well as on the distribution of the initial values. Counter-intuitively,less central nodes in the network are able to exert a higher influence on the final solution. This behavior applies also for different simulated networks such as random,small-world,and scale-free. We show an example of this kind of asymmetric diffusion process in a real case. To do so,we use a network of US Boards of Directors,where boards are the nodes and the directors working for more than one board,are the links. Changes in the proportion of women serving on each board are influenced by the gradient between adjacent boards. We also show that there is an asymmetry: the gradient is reduced at a slower (faster) rhythm if the board has less (more) women than neighboring boards. We are able to quantify the accumulated effect of this asymmetry from 2000 to 2015 in the overall proportion of women on boards,in a 4.7 percentage points (the proportion should have been an 14.61% instead of the observed 9.93% in 2015). Copyright: © 2022 Gimeno et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution LicensePublication Shades of Power Network Links with Gender Quotas and Corporate Governance Codes(Wiley, 2021-01-12) Gabaldón, Patricia; Mateos de Cabo, Ruth; Grau, Pilar; Gimeno, Ricardo; https://ror.org/02jjdwm75This study analyses the impact of political and regulatory pressures to increase the influence of women within the European board of directors’ network. To accomplish this, we used a longitudinal approach, tracking two centrality measures of a European directors’ network from 1999 to 2014. The network comprised publicly listed firms in 37 European countries, resulting in an extensive sample of 71,300 directors, of which around 10% were women. Governments promoting gender diversity in leadership positions have focused on two solutions: a slow track using voluntary approaches versus a fast track pushing for binding legislation. The panel data analysis shows how voluntary approaches to promote gender diversity, as implemented through corporate governance codes, have a positive and significant relationship with the ‘closeness’ of women to other directors in the network (i.e. their access to information). In contrast, binding legislation, such as gender quotas, increases women's role as unique ‘bridges’ between sub-networks – a result that serves to heighten their ‘betweenness’ centrality (i.e. their control over information).Publication The board gender diversity imitation game: Uncovering the resistant boards that refuse to play(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Mateos de Cabo, Ruth; Gimeno, Ricardo; Grau, Pilar; Gabaldón, Patricia; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación; Agencia Estatal de Investigación; https://ror.org/02jjdwm75Research question/issue: This study examines the influence of group behavior on board gender diversity and identifies obstacles to its diffusion. It investigates whether boards are influenced by group behavior in determining their gender composition and explores barriers that impede the diffusion process. Research findings/insights: Analyzing a network of over 18,000 US-listed boards observed over 20 years,we find a pattern of mimetic behavior,whereby boards imitate the proportion of women on boards (WoB) among their directly tied boards. We also identify resistant firms with low representation of women on their boards. Our findings suggest that,among those boards,there are heavily male-dominated boards resisting the appointment of women,even when surrounded by women directors among their tied boards. The diffusion of board gender diversity is slowed down by these resistant boards,hindering the overall progress in increasing gender diversity within the board network. Theoretical/academic implications: This research contributes insights into group behavior and resistance in board gender diversity. Adopting a network theory lens,our study sheds light on interactions between firms and their connected companies in terms of imitation practices. Drawing on social identity theory,we highlight the significance of the resistance to increasing women's representation exhibited by some boards. Practitioner/policy implications: Resistant boards,despite group pressure,slow down the diffusion of board gender diversity within the network,leading to overall stagnation. Understanding the sources of resistance allows an exploration of alternative measures to promote diversity without rigid mandates. © 2024 The Authors. Corporate Governance: An International Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.