Does Board Diversity Matter for the Quality of CSR Disclosure? Evidence from the Financial Sector of Pakistan

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to examine the influence of board diversity on the quality of CSR disclosure (QCSR) and propose that this relationship is patterned differently in different contexts and nations, due to their distinctive characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: The resource-based view (RBV) theory is used to evaluate the hypothesized relationship through an empirical investigation of 64 Pakistani financial firms, by applying a random-effects regression and the generalized method of moments (GMM).] Findings: The findings indicate that age, gender, educational level, and educational background diversities positively influence QCSR disclosure. However, nationality, ethnic, and tenure diversities have no significant relationship with QCSR disclosure. The results were further checked by a robust regression and sensitivity analysis. Originality/value: Using RBV theory, this paper provides an additional contribution concerning the role played by board diversity in a firm’s strategic performance, particularly CSR disclosure. The article contributes to the literature by finding that there is no unanimous rule for board diversity supporting CSR, due to the unique characteristics of different jurisdictions and institutional contexts.