Board Gender Diversity and Environmental Performance: The Moderating Role of Board Skills and Christianity

ABSTRACT In an era where environmental performance remains a critical indicator of corporate sustainability, board gender diversity (BGD) has moved to the forefront of debates on effective board oversight and sustainability outcomes. This study examines the impact of BGD on environmental performance and identifies the formal and contextual conditions under which gender‐diverse boards are associated with stronger environmental outcomes. Using Refinitiv Eikon data on US listed firms over 2007–2023 and applying a fixed effects model, the empirical analysis reveals that BGD, on its own, does not translate into higher environmental performance. However, the relationship becomes positive under specific enabling conditions: board skills and the broader Christian normative environment positively moderate the association between female directors and environmental performance, clarifying when gender‐diverse boards can deliver stronger environmental results. Results remain robust across several tests. Τhis study offers valuable theoretical and practical implications for corporate managers, investors, and policymakers seeking more effective environmental governance.