Is there a gender bias in crime against firms for developing economies?

SynopsisThis study explores the relationship between firms with a presence of female ownership and losses due to crime experienced by firms using data for about 12,000 firms in 27 developing countries. The results suggest that there may be a positive association between the losses experienced by firms due to crime and the presence of female ownership, a result consistent with findings in the literature on crime and female headed households. The results are retained for firms with a female owner and a top female manager. These results provide some support for gender based policies given the potential inefficiencies if crime targeting female owned and managed firms discouraged female labor participation. Several macro-economic factors weaken or strengthen this relationship, implying that gender based policies in tandem with certain macro factors may be more effective.

► Positive relationship between female ownership and losses due to crime. ► Positive correlation among firms with a female owner and manager and crime losses. ► Faster economic growth, and a larger police force mitigate the positive relationship. ► High levels of schooling in the overall economy reverse the positive relationship. ► Results based on survey data for about 12,000 firms in 27 developing countries.