Board Diversity and ESG Performance: Evidence from the Italian Banking Sector

This study examines the influence of diversity board directors (BoD) and environmental, social governance (ESG) performance 105 Italian banks during period 2017–2021. Our analysis investigates in terms attributes (board size, age, gender diversity, independence CSR (corporate responsibility/sustainability committee) measures ESG dimensions by using score provided Refinitiv database hosted Thomson Reuters. The main empirical results reveal that presence a CSR/sustainability committee positively bank’s while no significant relationship between average age is found. Additionally, gender-balanced boards positive but impact female on non-linear when critical mass women reached. paper comprises an in-depth inspection corporate (CG) banks, since Italy there limited literature concerning BoDs despite relevance topic. first specific CG characteristics diversity) banking sector, to date. investigation highly relevant managers investors considering issues their decision-making process. In addition, findings have implications for both regulators practitioners, suggesting policymakers should pay more attention aspects enhance performance.