Gender and Performance in Public Organizations: A Research Synthesis and Research Agenda

Abstract

This study examines the variations among empirical findings of gender effects on performance in public organizations; and identifies and discusses areas to be addressed in future research. The meta-analysis using 72 studies published between 1999 and 2017 presents evidence that greater representation of women in the workforce and more women in leadership roles have a positive effect on public organization performance. Study characteristics such as policy/service areas, geographical context, and time frames of the study affect the findings of gender effects, while the variance in measurement strategies and publication status do not make a difference in empirical evidence.