Fit to Lead: The Role of Female National Leaders in Modern Times

Prior research in the economic growth literature has portrayed ethnic fractionalization as an unmitigated inhibitor of the per capita GDP growth of nations. However, the present research investigates the positive role of diversity in mitigating the deleterious effects of ethnic fractionalization on economic growth in 45 nations. This paper accomplishes two main objectives. First, using data compiled from publicly available sources, the present research replicates the negative effects of ethnic fractionalization on economic growth previously reported in the economic growth literature. Second, this paper shows that gender diversity in governmental leadership can mitigate the intensely negative effects of high ethnic fractionalization on economic growth. These findings suggest that diversity within a nations governmental leadership can be ultimately beneficial for economic growth. Theoretical and implications for research on diversity, leadership, and economic growth, as well as practical implications on international and corporate policy are discussed.