The relationship between gender and performance issues of concern to directors: correlates or institution?

The effect of gender on corporate governance was examined in relation to the experiences of male and female corporate directors in publicly-traded corporations in Israel. Results showed that when correlates of gender were controlled, individual-level differences tended to disappear. The results, however, also suggested that gender could be viewed as a social institution and directors seen as being members of a gendered occupation. As such, it is argued that gender roles are embedded in the practices and processes that take place in the social context of the boardroom.