# Study Finds Informal Networks Limit Board Diversity

September 14, 2026 at 04:05 PM

> A FORBA study reveals that informal networks and lack of transparency hinder female representation on corporate supervisory boards.

A study by FORBA, commissioned by Women's Minister **Eva-Maria Holzleitner**, reveals that appointments to **supervisory boards** often rely on informal networks. Author Bernadette Allinger notes that capital-side selections lack transparency in many companies.

The female share in listed companies with a 30 percent quota rose from 22.4 percent in 2018 to 35.5 percent. However, ten listed firms still have no women on their boards, and companies without quota requirements currently average only 23.6 percent female.

Starting next year, listed companies must reach a 40 percent female quota or leave seats empty. A new ministry department will monitor these management bodies, as works council chairs, mostly men, still dominate the employee side of supervisory boards.


#GenderRepresentationOnCorporateBoardsOfDirectors [#EvaMariaHolzleitner](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/evamariaholzleitner>) #SupervisoryBoard

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