On the side effects of mandatory gender diversity laws in corporate boards

Regulators around the world are pushing for a higher representation of females on corporate boards. While this move reduces representation-based gender gap (RGP), less is known how may affect compensation-based (CGP). Using 56,976 director-year observations mandatory quota law imposed in Indian market, we find that significant reduction RGP post-gender period comes at cost substantial increase CGP. Our compensation decomposition analyses indicate CGP directors' labour market driven by disproportionately salaries and commissions paid to male directors. Overall, our results suggest more holistic approach address