Addressing gender imbalance on boards of state-owned enterprises in Ireland through regulatory intervention : a hard and soft law perspective

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyse different regulatory approaches and identify how regulation can be effectively used to address gender imbalance on boards of Ireland’s SOEs. The research is conducted through a theoretical and comparative method, using case studies to better understand how theoretical underpinnings translated in the practical experience of certain countries under regulatory regimes. The research starts by introducing and highlighting a relationship between the three major themes of this thesis which are gender balance on boards, regulation and SOEs. An Irish context of the SOE is then developed showing the relevance of improved gender balance to decision-making and corporate governance structure generally for Ireland’s SOEs. The thesis is then set within the context of global developments in relation to the growing reliance on regulatory intervention to address gender imbalance in economic decision-making, including SOEs, across several jurisdictions. A theoretical background is discussed and provides a foundation against which the practical experience of certain countries are analysed critically and comparatively from an Irish perspective. The case studies presented in this thesis afford a basis to propose a suitable regulatory approach for Ireland. They also provide a basis against which regulatory, political and cultural factors within the Irish environment/society are identified as potential drawbacks in harnessing regulatory benefits for Ireland. These factors that are strongly embedded in the Irish system and have historically contributed to the gender imbalance situation is discussed from a perspective for possible reforms. Finally, the thesis identifies how Ireland can align not only with international development and practice through suitably designed regulatory framework but also leverage on best practice in the corporate governance of SOEs by improving gender balance on their boards.