A research paper on the possible effectiveness on gender equality of the European Gender Quota Directive in corporate boardrooms

This master thesis research study investigates the likely effectiveness of the recent EU boardroom quota directive, whose important promoter is Vivian Reding, the European Commissioner, responsible for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship. The main research question that guides the investigation is used to assess if the quota is an effective measure for gender equality. This is done in the light of its increased popularity as an attempt to regulate and interfere with the business sphere and also in the light of its controversial status. Thus, there are a significant number of opponents, a majority of whom are women. In order to find if it is effective, the approach is based on the assumption that there are five significant conditions that each country must meet in order for an effective implementation of the quota directive to occur. These conditions stem from the common barriers that researchers found responsible for deterring women to be equally entitled to access corporate boardroom positions. These conditions are the necessity of effective sanctions that each country has to attach to the directive in case of non-compliance; a culture that favors women’s advancement; a corporate social responsibility that is actively working to promote gender equality in its organizations through various measures; the existence of enough qualified women ready to fill the quota; and supportive policies for women to be able to balance work/live responsibilities. Due to the study’s imposed space limitation, these conditions have been investigated in 5 selected countries, each belonging to different welfare state regimes encountered in the European Union. The selection has been made based on these criteria because it has a direct influence on social policies and culture, hence directly affecting the status of gender equality. The research findings have shown many commonalities concerning the conditions met but also differences in culture and family policies. A logical conclusion can be that the countries that meet most of the conditions have better chances to implement effectively the quota. Since welfare state regimes are important especially in relation with family policies, the fifth condition is very important for a more effective quota, which is where most differences do occur. Based on the study, the Conservative, Southern Mediterranean and Social democratic welfare regimes, that is Germany, Italy and Sweden respectively are expected to have the most effective quota implementation. These countries meet most of the conditions as well and have the most favorable family policies for a better work/life balance. Gender equality is an important issue for all member states. Inevitably, they will harmonize to a general state of normality, which is how a gender equal society will be perceived eventually.