Role of female leadership in corporate innovation: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore how female leadership contributes to corporate innovation through a systematic literature review. The authors provide a framework based on empirical studies to provide a broader perspective of corporate innovation based on female leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the most recent developments in leadership, a thorough literature study is carried out to discover the antecedents of women’s leadership and their contribution to corporate innovation, with an emphasis on literature published between 2013 and 2022. An intensive research plan was developed, and 1,120 outcomes were obtained. Finally, 35 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the study. A comprehensive and systematic approach is followed, with the goal of not just summarizing current empirical studies on the subject, but also including an aspect of analytical critique besides organizational policies.

Findings

The findings show that organizations with female chief executive officers (CEOs) are more likely to innovate. When female CEOs come on board, organizations are more likely to engage in creative activities. Research also reveals that female CEOs who head organizations are more likely to engage in new and creative business practices that are environment friendly. Moreover, developing nations are encouraged to accelerate the adoption of structural transformation initiatives that would provide women with access to information and technologies.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to literature published between 2013 and 2022.

Practical implications

It is important to select the organizational response to board female representation institutional logic to reflect the intended sort of performance. Organizational stakeholders were unfavorable to female leadership, implying that such perceptions harm women but benefit men. Prior research emphasizes distinctions in leadership effectiveness between males and females, diverting attention elsewhere from examining the reasons that generate differences among executives in organizations. For policymakers to promote more women in top positions based on female knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs), they need to understand how firms deviate from traditional standards. In addition, it is crucial to pay attention to how male and female leaders are supported by their followers.

Social implications

This research offers organizations a holistic view regarding female leadership and helps them understand their contribution in innovation.

Originality/value

In modern, dynamic and technological landscapes, female participation is one of the key aspects that corporates consider to sustain and drive growth. That is why, modern societies without women’s contribution to economic growth and innovation are deemed incomplete. The current study highlights their contribution to the economy. Literature also indicates that the presence of female leadership on boards impacts corporate innovation, as well as financial performance and contextual factors.c

Citation

Khushk, A., Zengtian, Z. and Hui, Y. (2023), "Role of female leadership in corporate innovation: a systematic literature review", Gender in Management, Vol. 38 No. 3, pp. 287-304. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-01-2022-0028