Quota warriors – How the age and gender of board members influence their approach to the promotion of gender diversity on boards

This paper argues that the age and gender of board members shape their views on the relevance of gender diversity on boards and their approach to promoting gender diversity. Based on 27 interviews with board members in public listed companies (PLCs) of the UK, the study presents the evidence of younger respondents – male and female – supporting/seeking gender-based quotas on boards. The study also shows that older board members generally oppose the quotas and are satisfied with the UK’s progress via the collaborative approach of voluntary targets. In both cases – in support and opposition of the quotas – the views of male and female respondents are clearly demarcated with female responses being more vehement and emotional, and male responses being more neutral and practical. The study is guided by Institutional theory and the findings of the study reveal support for Actor-Network, Upper Echelon and Strategic Leadership theories. The contribution of the study is original and significant both for theory and praxis.