Despite advances, women’s talents are still under-used at decision-making levels, especially at the top.

“It's incredible that most boardrooms have a maximum of one or two women in them. I am not sure you can leave it to us men to get the change to get that 50% representation... I think it needs to be forced on us by law.”

These words by Virgin founder Richard Branson reflect how women executives have failed to achieve equal representation on company boards. It is also why Norway, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and many other countries are adopting gender quota legislation to boost diversity on boards.

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By Ruth Aguilera
Visiting Professor, Department of Strategy and General Management