Three Essays on Gender Disparities in the Workplace: Pay Gap and Power Gap Perspectives

Abstract

The current thesis comprises three empirical studies that examine gender gaps from multiple perspectives. The first study investigates the gender pay gap in Egypt's labour market, examining disparities between the formal and informal sectors across 2006, 2012, and 2018. Utilising data from the Egyptian Labour Market Panel Survey (ELMPS), the study analyses a sample of 23,798 workers aged 23 to 59. It identifies persistent gender wage disparities, notably more pronounced within the informal sector. Varying labour market conditions and differential application of labour protections and benefits between formal and informal employment arrangements contribute to these disparities. Transitioning to the second paper, the study zooms in on a specific occupational category, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of corporations. CEOs occupy the top position in the labour market hierarchy, embodying leadership and commanding top-tier compensation. Irrespective of gender, individuals in these roles must exhibit exceptional qualities and substantial experience to assume such influential leadership positions. Using international data spanning 2000 to 2019 and comprising 32,027 observations, the study uncovers significant disparities in the gender pay gap among CEOs. Females consistently earn less than their male counterparts, particularly pronounced in societies characterised by masculine cultural norms. Conversely, in individualistic cultures, where emphasis on autonomy and merit prevails, gender pay gaps at the CEO level tend to be narrower. This analysis highlights the profound impact of cultural contexts on compensation parity within corporate leadership, offering critical insights into the dynamics of gender equality in top-tier management. The third study offers a fresh exploration of gender disparities at the CEO level, shifting from traditional pay discrepancies to examine power differentials. This novel perspective addresses a critical gap in the gender gap literature, which has traditionally focused on pay differentials and participation rates. Examining power disparities is particularly crucial at the leadership level, where individuals wield significant influence and authority. Leadership roles empower individuals to shape organisational strategies, culture, and decision-making processes. Therefore, investigating the gender power gap among CEOs provides valuable insights into how gender dynamics influence leadership effectiveness and organisational outcomes. The third study scrutinises the extent of power disparities between female and male CEOs within UK publicly listed firms from 2006 to 2019. Employing a dataset comprising 2613 firms and 20,404 firm-year observations, the study identifies significant power imbalances. Female CEOs consistently face power disadvantages regardless of broader economic conditions. These disparities persist during both economic upturns and downturns and are particularly pronounced at the upper quartiles of corporate power. This investigation into power disparity among CEOs addresses a significant gap in existing gender gap literature, offering fundamental insights for fostering gender equity and inclusivity in executive leadership roles. In summary, these three empirical studies collectively enrich our understanding of gender gaps within labour markets, from economic disparities across sectors to analyses of pay and power differentials among corporate leaders.