Do gender diverse boards enhance managerial ability?

We examine the link between board gender diversity and managerial ability to transform corporate resources into revenue. Drawing on a sample of U.S firms during period 2001–2016, we find positive economically meaningful association female directors boards ability, particularly when are in monitoring roles board. The documented effect is stronger using tenure weighted measure representation boards; more pronounced for that have three or women directors, line with critical mass hypothesis. uncover conducive enhancing ability. Our channel analysis tests further reveal distinctive tendency diverse shape human capital firm by promoting managers generalist skills. consistent results employ propensity score matching estimates difference-in-differences sudden deaths as potential shock address endogeneity concerns. discuss implications theory policy.