Parole chiave
small firms
Italy
Come citare
##plugins.generic.dates.accepted## 2026-02-19
##plugins.generic.dates.published## 2026-06-13
Abstract
Purpose. The study aims to investigate the characteristics of the first Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that adopted the gender equality certification (UNI/PdR 125:2022). It seeks to identify which types of companies are early adopters and what organizational or managerial features influenced their decision.
Design/methodology/approach. This research uses a quantitative approach, based on a survey (CAWI/CATI) conducted in December 2023 involving 866 SMEs across six economic sectors. The focus is on 21 certified firms. Additional data were collected from the Atoka-Cerved database, covering variables such as innovation, exports, sustainability goals (SDGs), online presence, public tender participation, and other certifications.
Practical implications. The findings suggest that public procurement incentives are a stronger motivator for certification adoption than tax incentives. Certified firms tend to be innovative, export-oriented, and male-dominated in leadership and workforce. However, there is concern that some companies may adopt the certification superficially, without truly implementing gender equality principles. The study underscores the importance of monitoring certification effectiveness and ensuring its integration into company practices, beyond simply using it to gain competitive advantage in public tenders.
Originality of the study. This is among the first empirical studies on the initial adopters of Italy’s national gender equality certification. It provides a detailed profile of these firms and integrates institutional theory by examining coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures behind adoption. By focusing on early adopters, the study contributes to the literature on corporate social responsibility and gender equality standards, highlighting both opportunities and risks related to voluntary certification schemes in SMEs.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gail Denisse Chamochumbi Diaz, Federica Palazzi, Annalisa Sentuti, Francesca Sgrò