Female Directors and Corporate Environmental Decoupling: The Moderating Influence of Board Characteristics

ABSTRACT This study explores how the relationship between board gender diversity and corporate environmental decoupling is moderated by board characteristics. Based on US listed companies in environmentally non‐sensitive industries for the period 2011–2021, our results highlight that female directors tend to mitigate environmental decoupling. However, this effect is strengthened in boards with longer tenure and greater ESG experience but remains insignificant in boards with higher independence. Our findings highlight the interconnectedness of board characteristics, showing that analyzing board gender diversity in isolation may yield biased conclusions. These findings will help policymakers and professional organizations refine future recommendations and assist firms in developing effective strategies regarding board gender diversity, board tenure, and board ESG experience.