ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Gender diversity, workforce composition, and career development: The role of female leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina
by
Marina Riđić 1
, Nedim Čelebić 2 
Emir Ganić 3
1 University Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 University Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 University Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
ABSTRACT
Gender diversity and the inclusion of women in leadership roles are increasingly recognized as critical drivers of organizational equity and sustainability, particularly through their influence on workforce diversity, employee development, and fair compensation practices. While these effects are well-documented in developed economies, evidence from transitional contexts remains limited. This study explores the impact of female leadership on the social dimension of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in private sector companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Focusing on three key outcome areas—inclusive hiring, investment in employee training, and average employee compensation—it examines whether a higher share of women in decision-making positions correlates with stronger ESG-related practices. Using original data from 131 firms that applied for the 2024 United Nations Development Programme’s SDG Business Pioneers Award, the analysis reveals a positive association between female leadership and all three outcome variables. These findings suggest that gender-inclusive leadership contributes meaningfully to socially responsible business practices, even in transitional economies. By providing empirical insights from Bosnia and Herzegovina, this study adds to the growing body of research on gender and sustainability. It highlights the potential of female leadership as a lever for advancing ESG goals and offers practical implications for policymakers and corporate actors aiming to align business strategy with inclusive and sustainable development.
Keywords: female leadership, gender diversity, ESG performance, career development
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
(2025). Gender diversity, workforce composition, and career development: The role of female leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, MAP Social Sciences, 6, 53-65. doi: https://doi.org/10.53880/2744-2454.2025.6.53