The Gender Equity Gap in Top Corporate Executive Positions

Abstract

Although Corporate America has expended great efforts to shrink the gender equity gap at all levels, there is persistent evidence in the financial press that the gap still exists. This study focuses on the gender equity gap in the most highly compensated positions within corporations. Using Standard & Poor’s Compustat ExecuComp database for 1992‐1997, we find that only 3 percent of the most highly compensated executives are female, that these positions are held disproportionately by men, and that female executives are more likely to be clustered in particular industry groups. In a sample matched by job title, company size and industry, male executives earn significantly higher salaries and bonuses, though total compensation is not significantly different. However, these compensation differences may be explained by differences in human capital characteristics such as age and tenure within a particular job title. Thus, the gender equity gap at top executive positions may be due more to a lack of opportunity than to wage discrimination.

Citation

Healy Burress, J. and Zucca, L.J. (2004), "The Gender Equity Gap in Top Corporate Executive Positions", American Journal of Business, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 55-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/19355181200400006