Technology, Innovation, and Gender Diversity: Determinants of Performance in South American Manufacturing Firms
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65967/cpbo.v2i2.61
Technological Strategies, Product Innovation; Process Innovation, Women Managers, Firm Performance
Abstract
This study investigates the relationships between technological strategies, technological innovation, women managers, and firm performance in South American manufacturing firms. Using a dataset comprising 1,712 manufacturing firms from seven South American countries in 2017, the study employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings reveal that both internal research and development (R&D) activities and technology licensing are positively associated with firm performance, highlighting the importance of combining internal and external knowledge sources to enhance competitiveness. Regarding innovation outcomes, product innovation demonstrates a positive relationship with profitability, whereas process innovation does not exhibit a significant direct association with firm performance. The results further indicate that firms with a higher presence of women in middle management positions tend to achieve superior performance outcomes, while the presence of female top managers does not show a significant positive effect. These findings suggest that balanced innovation strategies and inclusive managerial structures play an important role in improving organizational performance in emerging economies. The study contributes to the strategic management and innovation literature by providing evidence on the complementary effects of technological strategies, distinguishing the performance implications of product and process innovation, and offering new insights into how gender diversity at different managerial levels is associated with firm performance in South American manufacturing firms.
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