Thisstudyexaminestherelationshipbetweengenderdiversity,corporate sustainability, and financial performance in Made in Italy industries, comparing them to leading global firms in the FTSE Diversity & Inclusion Index 2024. While gender diversity is increasingly recognized as a strategic asset, its direct influence on finan- cial and ESG performance remains complex and industry-dependent. Building on the Shared Value Theory, this research investigates whether inclusive governance fosters long-term value creation, investor confidence, and corporate resilience. A quantitative approach was employed, integrating publicly available data on gender diversity rank- ings, financial indicators, and sustainability metrics. The analysis was conducted at global and country levels, identifying key patterns in how diversity policies correlate with corporate governance and market performance. The findings reveal that while Italian firms rank among the global leaders in gender diversity, their financial and ESG performance does not fully align with top-performing companies. This suggests that diversity policies alone are insufficient without deeper integration into corporate governance structures. Additionally, the study highlights sectoral discrepancies, with some industries demonstrating greater progress in gender inclusion than others. The research underscores a critical gap in the literature, emphasizing that while gender diversity strengthens governance quality and corporate reputation, its financial impact varies across regulatory environments and economic contexts. Future studies should further explore the long-term effects of diversity policies, the role of industry-specific dynamics, and the influence of national regulations on corporate inclusion strategies. As global markets increasingly prioritize ESG and sustainability-driven investments, firms that embed gender diversity within their broader corporate strategies will be better positioned for sustainable growth, investor trust, and competitive advantage.
Gender Diversity and Corporate Sustainability in Made in Italy Industries: Insights From a Comparative Analysis with FTSE D&I Index Companies
Alberto Manzari
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2026-01-01
Abstract
Thisstudyexaminestherelationshipbetweengenderdiversity,corporate sustainability, and financial performance in Made in Italy industries, comparing them to leading global firms in the FTSE Diversity & Inclusion Index 2024. While gender diversity is increasingly recognized as a strategic asset, its direct influence on finan- cial and ESG performance remains complex and industry-dependent. Building on the Shared Value Theory, this research investigates whether inclusive governance fosters long-term value creation, investor confidence, and corporate resilience. A quantitative approach was employed, integrating publicly available data on gender diversity rank- ings, financial indicators, and sustainability metrics. The analysis was conducted at global and country levels, identifying key patterns in how diversity policies correlate with corporate governance and market performance. The findings reveal that while Italian firms rank among the global leaders in gender diversity, their financial and ESG performance does not fully align with top-performing companies. This suggests that diversity policies alone are insufficient without deeper integration into corporate governance structures. Additionally, the study highlights sectoral discrepancies, with some industries demonstrating greater progress in gender inclusion than others. The research underscores a critical gap in the literature, emphasizing that while gender diversity strengthens governance quality and corporate reputation, its financial impact varies across regulatory environments and economic contexts. Future studies should further explore the long-term effects of diversity policies, the role of industry-specific dynamics, and the influence of national regulations on corporate inclusion strategies. As global markets increasingly prioritize ESG and sustainability-driven investments, firms that embed gender diversity within their broader corporate strategies will be better positioned for sustainable growth, investor trust, and competitive advantage.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
