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Building on resource dependence theory and contingency theory (CT) and focusing on an emerging market setting, this study investigates how demographic board diversity (BD) influences the export intensity (EI) of firms listed on Borsa Istanbul (BIST), with the moderating effect of firm size, as a contingency factor, on this interaction.

Using a sample of 65 exporting firms listed on the BIST Industrials Index, this study explores how demographic attributes of board members, represented by the board diversity index (BDI), affects EI by employing panel data analysis over the period of 2016–2020.

The results suggest that there is a negative relationship between BD and EI, but firm size has a positive moderating effect on the association of BD and EI, indicating that large firms with diverse boards are more prone to access foreign markets and make export. The findings further indicate that board size and CEO duality have a negative and significant effect on EI, while marketing intensity has a positive and significant impact.

The sample covers only public companies listed on the BIST Industrials Index, and the impact of board characteristics on the EI is analyzed for a limited time frame, i.e. from 2016 to 2020.

The findings help business executives better understand the contribution of the firm size on the interaction of BD and EI and offers valuable insights to companies to gain a competitive edge in international markets.

The study provides evidence on the effects of board attributes on the EI from the perspective of emerging countries. It also helps to gain a deeper understanding of how board dynamics contribute to the internationalization of companies.