Mapping the Evolution of Gender Diversity and Firm Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends, Key Contributions, and Emerging Research Frontiers

ABSTRACT This paper reviews key trends in gender diversity and firm performance scholarship using a bibliometric analysis approach. Using a sample of 1317 articles from the business, management, and business finance domains of the Web of Science (WoS) database, visualizations are generated from CiteSpace and R Studio's Biblioshiny software. The findings highlight a shift in contemporary research, moving beyond the direct impact of diversity on performance to exploring how gender diversity influences other critical aspects of business operations. Moreover, the results show limited regional contributions and collaborations among developing countries. Thematic analysis reveals motor, niche, basic, and emerging/declining themes that require scholarly attention. Our research not only shows the unique intellectual, conceptual, and social structure of the research domain but also highlights mainstream theories. It suggests the need for continuous research and more collaborations across diverse geographic backgrounds to achieve a more holistic research outcome.