Paper Number
ICIS2025-2511
Paper Type
Complete
Abstract
Although CEOs play a pivotal role in corporate digital transformation, academic attention to how female CEOs navigate this process remains surprisingly limited. Drawing on resource dependence theory, we explore how female CEOs effectively influence their companies' digital transformation. We propose that compared to their male counterparts, female CEOs can drive stronger digital transformation efforts by alleviating financing constraints. Furthermore, the length of the chairman's tenure amplifies this positive effect, while ownership type-particularly state-owned enterprises-weakens it. These hypotheses are validated through propensity score matching analysis of a longitudinal dataset of Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2022. By examining the interplay between female leadership, power structures, and institutional constraints, we reveals the mechanisms and contextual dependencies underlying the differentiated impact of female CEOs on digital transformation. The findings provide guidance for gender-conscious CEO appointment practices, emphasizing the strategic synergy between executive gender diversity and institutional environments to optimize digital transformation outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Yanlin; shao, wenjie; and Chen, Daniel, "Navigating Digital Transformation Through Female Leadership: A Resource Dependence Perspective on CEO Gender Dynamics" (2025). ICIS 2025 Proceedings. 17.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2025/digitstrategy/digitstrategy/17
Navigating Digital Transformation Through Female Leadership: A Resource Dependence Perspective on CEO Gender Dynamics
Although CEOs play a pivotal role in corporate digital transformation, academic attention to how female CEOs navigate this process remains surprisingly limited. Drawing on resource dependence theory, we explore how female CEOs effectively influence their companies' digital transformation. We propose that compared to their male counterparts, female CEOs can drive stronger digital transformation efforts by alleviating financing constraints. Furthermore, the length of the chairman's tenure amplifies this positive effect, while ownership type-particularly state-owned enterprises-weakens it. These hypotheses are validated through propensity score matching analysis of a longitudinal dataset of Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2022. By examining the interplay between female leadership, power structures, and institutional constraints, we reveals the mechanisms and contextual dependencies underlying the differentiated impact of female CEOs on digital transformation. The findings provide guidance for gender-conscious CEO appointment practices, emphasizing the strategic synergy between executive gender diversity and institutional environments to optimize digital transformation outcomes.
When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.
Comments
18-Strategy