Gender Equality in Appointments of Board Members: The Role of Multiple Actors and their Dynamics

Abstract

Prior research has demonstrated the role of gender in recruitment and selection processes. We contribute to this literature by moving beyond studying persisting barriers for women and exploring collective practices that can contribute to gender equality. Drawing on in‐depth case studies of recent appointments to corporate boards in the Netherlands, we examine the role of multiple actors and their collective strategies and dynamic interactions. This way, we provide a better understanding of the possibilities of multiple actors to bring about change or reinforce the status quo. Our findings reveal, first, that a group of ‘moderate change agents' are crucial for outcomes of appointment procedures. Second, we identify three practices of coalitions of change agents that further the change agenda: seeking support, mobilizing moderate actors and counterbalancing routines. Our results suggest that if frontrunners receive support from and mobilize moderate change agents, routine gender practices can successfully be challenged and countered, as moderates give support and legitimacy to more radical actors and can bridge the gap between the latter and resisters.

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