The 43rd Frontier Forum for Digital Technology and Finance

Abstract：

Integrating institutional theory and the Upper Echelons theory with research on gender inequality, beauty effects, and corporate philanthropy, we argue that attractive female CEOs may fear their attractiveness undermines their perceived competence. To counteract such biases, they engage in corporate philanthropy to demonstrate compassion and care—qualities aligned with broader expectations of effective leadership. Our findings reveal that attractive female CEOs engage more actively in corporate philanthropy, donating larger amounts than their less attractive peers, particularly in regions with stronger gender stereotypes and less market-driven economies.

Speaker Introduction：