Beyond tipping points: critical mass theory through the lens of board gender diversity

Purpose This study aims to concisely and systematically review how critical mass theory (CMT) applies to management research in all its beauty. The review explicitly emphasises the impact of board gender diversity (BGD) on organisational outcomes. This study highlights the increasing significance of gender equality in corporate environments and underscores the need to attain a critical mass of women on corporate boards. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to ensure that this review process is thorough and transparent. The authors know that PRISMA is known to enhance the reliability and reproducibility of results through its adherence to a structured and systematic approach. Findings Post review, the authors argue that achieving a critical mass of at least 30%–33% women on corporate boards represents a likely threshold for reaching a tipping point, crucial for significantly influencing corporate board decisions. This is the case. Such a proportion is required to achieve notable effects of BGD on organisational outcomes, including firm performance, governance and social and environmental impacts. Furthermore, adequate BGD enhances business performance, strengthens corporate governance, improves strategic planning, advances risk management and optimises stakeholder management. In addition, the findings signify the insufficiency of current regulations, which very often only mandate a minimum of one woman director on corporate boards of listed companies, as also seen in India. Thus, this review signifies the need for more robust regulatory measures to ensure meaningful BGD. Such insights are well explained within the framework of CMT. Originality/value This study offers a concise yet focused and systematic review of CMT within management research.