The Relationship between the Gender of Top Management and the Adaptation of Energy Management Activities in an Enterprise
Purpose: The study investigates whether and how the gender of top managers differentiates the impact of the drivers behind the adoption of energy management actions aimed at reducing emissions, waste, and pollution in enterprises. Design/methodology/approach: Based on survey data collected by the World Bank , covering 9,485 firms across 12 countries in Southern Europe, two separate multivariate logistic regression models were estimated for companies led by women and those led by men, respectively. Findings: The results confirm that innovation activity, R&D engagement, and the possession of international quality certificates significantly foster the implementation of energy management practices in both groups. However, the magnitude and direction of these effects differ by gender. Firms led by women are more strongly motivated by process innovations and certifications, while product innovations may have a negative impact on their energy-related actions. In companies headed by men, R&D plays a more influential role. Company size and competitive pressure further differentiate the likelihood of adopting energy management systems: quantitative competition is more relevant for male-managed firms, whereas qualitative competition matters more for female-led businesses. Originality value: The article fills a research gap regarding the impact of gender diversity in top management on companies’ propensity to implement measures to improve energy efficiency. Practical implications: The findings underscore the significance of gender-diverse leadership in shaping sustainable energy strategies and highlight the need for tailored policy support that encourages environmental initiatives across various management profiles.