MODERATING EFFECT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE GENDER DIVERSITY ON AUDIT FIRM ATTRIBUTES AND FIRM PERFORMANCE OF LISTED FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the effect of audit committee gender diversity audit firm attributes and performance of listed Nigerian financial services institutions, with a focus on gender diversity in audit committees as a moderating factor. Specifically, the research examines how audit firm size and audit firm reputation influence firm performance. The study adopted a quantitative approach and uses secondary data from 39 sampled Nigerian financial institutions listed between 2014 and 2023. The data for the study was obtained from Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) website. Multiple regression model is used analysis to examine the relationships between the identified variables under study. Findings reveal that audit firm size and audit firm reputation positively has a significant effect on firm performance. Also, gender diversity within audit committees has a positive significant effect in moderating the relationship between audit firm size and audit firm reputation on firm performance. This suggests that diversity introduces new dynamics in audit attributes, potentially leading to more rigorous scrutiny. The implications of these findings are significant for corporate governance structures in Nigeria, especially in promoting more inclusive leadership within audit committees. The research concludes by recommending that regulatory bodies and financial institutions prioritize the enhancement of gender diversity in governance frameworks to foster improved performance.