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International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2225-8329

Board Gender Diversity and Cost of Debt: Evidence from MENA Region: Conceptual Paper

Marwan Mansour, Qamar Salhab, Ahmad Marei

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARAFMS/v14-i2/21228

Open access

This study aims to thoroughly analyze existing literature to examine how board gender diversity affects the cost of debt. The focus of this research is to understand how gender diversity in corporate boards affects borrowing costs. This review aims to offer valuable insights and directions for upcoming empirical research. The present study suggests that the upcoming empirical study should focus on publicly traded companies in the MENA region between 2010 and 2023. Many countries have established rules or recommendations that require or promote the inclusion of women in boardrooms. Like other countries, MENA nations are striving to promote gender equality in boardrooms, aiming to establish an inclusive social, political, and economic atmosphere that fosters economic growth. Many countries have established rules or recommendations that require or promote the inclusion of women in boardrooms. Like other countries, MENA nations are striving to promote gender equality in boardrooms, aiming to establish an inclusive social, political, and economic atmosphere that fosters economic growth. Besides achieving long-term objectives, corporations must access funds at a lower cost to foster business growth. Practical studies have shown that governance mechanisms in various companies, particularly in emerging markets, can significantly reduce debt costs and financial difficulties. This study predicts that women serving on corporate boards will have a significant impact on corporate financial decisions and will play a crucial role in determining the cost of debt financing. Women's participation in top-level corporate management is a subject of debate. Several studies have shown that underrepresented women on boards influence policymakers and regulators to intervene. Quotas can be implemented directly or indirectly to increase women's participation in boardroom activities. The study's significance lies in its potential to inform future research on linkages between gender diversity and the cost of debt financing in MENA nations and emerging economies with similar economic perspectives.

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(Mansour et al., 2024)
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