Discrimination against women on their path to directorships and the lack of gender diversity on UK Boards

The paper explores the notion that discrimination against women on their path to board positions is one of the leading causes of gender homogeneity in boards. Such discrimination also perpetuates homogeneity in lower hierarchies in organisations. The paper is based on a study conducted in the UK, involving interviews of thirty-six Executive and Non-Executive Directors, of both genders. It makes an incremental but significant contribution towards the application of Social Identity Theory by extending its application to boards. The paper makes an original contribution to corporate praxis by presenting the experiences of board Directors on the contentious subject of discrimination (with potential legal ramifications) and suggesting measures to curb it. The paper may assist the framing of more effective policy for the prevention of gender-based discrimination, more corporate transparency, and fairer board nominations.