Leveraging gender equity as an ESG strategy for competitive advantage in brand building and innovation : a phenomenological study of Vietnamese business leaders | |
| Author | Nguyen Thi Xuan Yen |
| Call Number | AIT Proj. no.PM-ESG-26-21 |
| Subject(s) | Social responsibility of business--Vietnam Women in development--Social aspects--Vietnam Women in development--Environmental aspects--Vietnam |
| Note | A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Professional Master in ESG (Environment-Social-Governance) Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Background: Worldwide, gender equity has become an essential indicator of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) maturity. A disparity occurs in Vietnam between policy commitments and daily practices. Although numerous enterprises acknowledge the significance of equity and diversity, few leverage it to drive economic benefit.Objective: This study attempts to explore how Vietnamese business leaders bridge this gap, bringing gender equity from a CSR action into an asset that promotes innovation and brand equity.Methodology: This qualitative study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and consists of comprehensive interviews with CEOs and Directors from several industries, including Technology, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, and Services. The analysis is developed based on three theories: Creating Shared Value (CSV), Resource-Based View (RBV), and Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT).Findings indicate a cognitive shift in leadership from compliance to governance capability. Four themes emerged: (1) equity as a sensing mechanism that identifies organizational blind spots; (2) diversity as a seizing capability that enables empathetic innovation; (3) cultures of kindness as an authenticity mechanism that strengthens brand resilience; and (4) leaders’reconfiguring of cultural barriers to sustain competitive advantage.Conclusion: For Vietnamese enterprises, gender equity is a dynamic capability crucial for growth. By aligning economic efficiency with empathy, leaders transform social friction into competitive advantage. |
| Year | 2026 |
| Type | Project |
| School | School of Management |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Professional Master in Environment, Social & Government Managment (PMESG) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ransom, Lakeesha K. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Galipeau, David;Brubaker, Richard |
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