“Board Diversity and Stakeholder Sustainability: A Cross-Industry Analysis”

This study examines the relationship between board diversity and stakeholder sustainability across multiple industries, highlighting how varied board compositions impact corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, environmental performance, and stakeholder engagement. Drawing on agency theory, stakeholder theory, and resource dependence theory, the research investigates gender, age, educational, and professional diversity within corporate boards and their influence on sustainability outcomes. Using panel data from publicly listed companies across five major industries over a 10-year period, the analysis reveals that firms with higher board diversity consistently demonstrate stronger sustainability performance and stakeholder alignment. The findings suggest that diverse boards bring broader perspectives, foster innovation, and are more responsive to the needs of various stakeholder groups. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on corporate governance by providing empirical evidence of how board composition affects stakeholder-oriented decision-making and long-term sustainability. Implications for policy, governance reforms, and corporate best practices are also discussed.