A recent study suggests that small to medium-sized businesses in emerging markets can tackle grand challenges by harnessing the power of both strategic agility and gender diversity, the latter of which significantly enhances the impact of strategic agility on value creation. This research, conducted by the University of Surrey, highlighted the importance of diverse gender representation in senior management for promoting responsible and cooperative innovation.
The study examined small to medium-sized businesses in emerging markets (ESMEs) and found that a gender-diverse senior management team was linked to increased value and innovation that coincided with the United Nations’ Grand Challenges. This conclusion was reached after analyzing 228 survey responses from ESMEs based in the United Arab Emirates.
Co-author of the study, Professor Taz Rajwani, who is also the Head of the Department of Strategy and International Business at the University of Surrey, said: “Our findings showed that firms which embraced gender diversity by having women in some of the highest-ranking roles were better equipped to adapt to the fluctuating economic climate and made significant contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the notion that including women in a company’s senior management team is not only ethically correct but also beneficial for the business and the broader community.”
Reference: “Grand challenges and emerging market small and medium enterprises: The role of strategic agility and gender diversity” by Nadia Zahoor, Huda Khan, Francis Donbesuur, Zaheer Khan and Tazeeb Rajwani, 27 January 2023, Journal of Product Innovation Management. DOI: 10.1111/jpim.12661
The “Grand Challenges” revolve around the ways multidisciplinary research can address the objectives proposed in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The themes of the Grand Challenges include Global Health, Sustainable Cities, Cultural Understanding, Human Wellbeing, Transformative Technology, and Justice and Equality.
Table of Contents
What does the study suggest about gender diversity in businesses?
The study suggests that small to medium-sized businesses in emerging markets can effectively address grand challenges by leveraging both strategic agility and gender diversity. The research emphasizes that gender diversity significantly enhances the impact of strategic agility on value creation.
Who conducted the research?
The research was conducted by the University of Surrey.
What does gender diversity in senior management result in, according to the study?
According to the study, a gender-diverse senior management team leads to increased value and innovation, aligning with the United Nations’ Grand Challenges.
How was the conclusion of the study drawn?
The conclusion of the study was drawn from an analysis of 228 survey responses from small to medium-sized businesses in emerging markets (ESMEs) based in the United Arab Emirates.
What are the “Grand Challenges” mentioned in the study?
The “Grand Challenges” refer to ways in which multidisciplinary research can tackle the objectives proposed in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The themes of the Grand Challenges include Global Health, Sustainable Cities, Cultural Understanding, Human Wellbeing, Transformative Technology, and Justice and Equality.
Related links:
- Gender Diversity and Its Impact on Business Performance: A Global Perspective
- United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
- The Role of Strategic Agility in Business
- Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the Arab Region: Where Do We Stand?
- Journal of Product Innovation Management
5 comments
Well, that’s a no brainer isn’t it? More diversity, more viewpoints, better decisions. Can’t believe we still need studies for this.
About time we had more women in senior roles, they bring a different perspective to the table. Good on the University of Surrey for doing this research!
Its 2023 ppl!! Gender diversity shud be a given at this point, not smthn to be ‘researched’!
Wow, I’m really impressed to see that the UN’s Grand Challenges are being linked to business practices. Kudos to the researchers!
Nice to see the UAE businesses included in the study. Diversity is def key to innovation, agree 100%.