Gender diversity in leadership delivers better results

The presence of women in executive positions contributes to better economic results for companies, according to the study “The Bottom Line: Corporate Performance and Women's Representation on Boards,” conducted by the Catalyst consultancy. El Economista.es This study will be presented for the first time in Europe as part of the 1st Alares International Congress, held under the theme “Quality of Life and Business Competitiveness” on February 20 and 21 at the IFEMA exhibition center in Madrid. Women executives “The Bottom Line” reveals that companies with greater female representation in executive positions achieve, on average, significantly better economic results than those with less representation. According to Ilene H. Lang, president of Catalyst, “this study once again demonstrates the strong correlation between companies’ economic results and gender diversity. When properly managed, diversity leads to greater independence, innovation, good governance, and maximized results,” Lang emphasized. How was the study conducted? The study was conducted on companies included in the Fortune 500 ranking and used three financial performance indicators as its reference: return on equity (ROE), return on sales (ROS), and return on investment (ROI). Catalyst compared the results of companies with the greatest representation of women in their top management with those of companies having less female representation in management positions. It concluded that companies with greater female representation on their management teams report higher percentages for all three indicators mentioned above—53%, 52%, and 66%, respectively. First gathering The Alares International Congress is aimed at chief executives, public institution officials, and professionals involved in the congress’s subject matter. At its first gathering, this annual forum will feature, over the course of its two-day program, the participation of prominent figures and institutions from more than 20 countries. The gathering will address issues such as corporate social responsibility, dependency, diversity, immigration, equality, and work-life balance.