ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book outlines theoretical and conceptual frameworks and discusses policy and regulatory arguments and the practical implication of women on boards. It focuses on concepts and policies of gender diversity in the boardroom. The book addresses the topic of gender diversity in boardrooms viewed from institutional and socio-economic perspectives. It explores the importance of improving corporate culture to be more inclusive of women in leadership positions. The book examines the Australian policy which follows the soft regulatory intervention supporting the increase of women on boards and assesses the potential benefits of enacting mandatory gender quota legislation. It also examines the presence of women on boards of directors of Russian companies with state involvement in the ownership structure. The book analyzes the effect of female participation on the board for economic and financial performance.
