Female directors and cash holdings: The case of Vietnam

Bui Thu Hien; Dao Viet Bao Uyen; Luong Huyen Linh

doi:10.57110/vnu-jeb.v4i4.233

Keywords:

Female directors, cash holdings, gender diversity

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of gender equality on corporate cash reserves, focusing on the roles women occupy on corporate boards. Using data from 325 publicly listed companies in Vietnam between 2020 and 2022, the research employs various statistical models, including ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed-effect model (FEM), random-effect model (REM), and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), to address heteroscedasticity. The findings reveal that the presence of female directors on corporate boards is significantly associated with lower cash reserves, suggesting that gender diversity influences cash management practices. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the role of female directors in enhancing a firm's financial flexibility. It underscores the importance of creating an equitable workplace for female employees and provides insights into the benefits of gender diversity in corporate governance. The research specifically examines the Vietnamese context, reflecting the global trend towards gender diversity in corporate leadership. Regression analysis shows a significant negative relationship between the proportion of female CFOs and cash holdings, indicating that firms with more female CFOs tend to hold less cash. These findings have important implications for policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders by demonstrating the potential of female directors to shape financial policies and reduce risks associated with representative issues.

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Female directors and cash holdings: The case of Vietnam

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