https://conferences.euram.academy/2027conference/download/t02_06-board-diversity-in-the-era-of-dei-backlash/

T02_06 Board Diversity in the Era of DEI Backlash

Proponents:

Sara De Masi, University of Florence; Ruth Mateos de Cabo, Universidad CEU San Pablo; Gabriela Contreras, Radboud University

Short description:

Board diversity, women on boards, and inclusive leadership remain fundamental topics in corporate governance research, with important implications for organizational performance, ethical oversight, and stakeholder accountability. However, the growing contestation surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including political opposition, anti-woke discourse, and symbolic rather than substantive implementation, raises new questions about the future of inclusive governance. This track welcomes rigorous theoretical and empirical research investigating how boards respond to these challenges and how diversity relates to broader governance issues, such as corporate misconduct, greenwashing, political connections, corruption, algorithmic bias, geopolitical instability, and rising populism.

Track 6: Corporate Governance: Building Accountability, Trust, and Long-Term Value

Track Chairs:

• Silvia Gómez Ansón (University of Oviedo)

• Ruth Mateos de Cabo (Universidad CEU San Pablo)

• José Carlos Rodríguez Pueblita (IPADE Business School)

Corporate governance plays a critical role in shaping organizational effectiveness, accountability, and long-term value creation. In Ibero-American contexts, governance challenges are influenced by distinctive ownership structures, family-controlled firms, institutional development, board diversity, and evolving sustainability expectations. This track welcomes theoretical and empirical research that advances our understanding of governance mechanisms, board dynamics, stakeholder relations, executive decision-making, and their impact on organizational performance and societal outcomes. The track aims to foster dialogue on how governance practices can contribute to responsible, inclusive, and sustainable business development across the region.

Strenghening Management Scholarship | IPADE 

El pasado octubre 2026 organizamos en el Real Colegio Universitario Maria Cristina (CEU) la séptima edición de la Corporate Finance and Governance Conference.

7th Annual RCF-ECGI Corporate Finance and Governance Conference 

Dentro del EURAM 2026, hemos organizado este track: Securing talent for uncertain times: diversity, governance and global challenges 

Board diversity remains a pivotal and evolving theme in corporate governance research, with far reaching implications for organizational effectiveness, ethical leadership, and societal outcomes. This track invites theoretically grounded and methodologically rigorous contributions that explore the complex dimensions of board diversity, spanning demographics, cognitive approaches, professional backgrounds, and social identities. We particularly encourage work that connects board diversity to urgent global challenges such as corporate misconduct, greenwashing, political entrenchment, geopolitical tensions, and rising populism. By critically engaging with these issues, this track aims to enhance the relevance and analytical depth of diversity research amid increasing skepticism and resistance to inclusion initiatives. 

Premio al trabajo de investigación: “The gender gap and bank credit access” (Pablo de Andrés, Ricardo Gimeno y Ruth Mateos de Cabo).

Desayuno de Trabajo. Facultad CC.EE.EE., Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, 14/11/2017.

Facultad CC.EE.EE., Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid, 15/06/2017.