AFRE Accounting Financial Review
Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): March 2026

Diversity, inclusion, and bank performance: Evidence from ASEAN 5 and Vietnam

Fadli Septianto (Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Irwan Trinugroho (Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sebelas Maret)
Putra Pamungkas (Department of Digital Business, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sebelas Maret)



Article Info

Publish Date
11 May 2026

Abstract

This study aims to examine how diversity and inclusion (D&I) affect bank performance in the ASEAN-5 countries and Vietnam. It uses an unbalanced panel dataset of 50 banks across six ASEAN countries from 2012 to 2023. Diversity and inclusion serve as the main independent variable, while return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) are used as dependent variables. The data are analyzed using a fixed-effects model, with robustness checks conducted using the generalized method of moments (GMM). The findings indicate that inclusion initiatives, as reflected in the inclusion score, are negatively associated with both ROA and ROE. Similarly, the composite measure of diversity and inclusion also shows a negative relationship with bank performance. This study makes three main contributions. First, it provides sector-specific empirical evidence on the relationship between diversity, inclusion, and performance in the banking industry, an area that has received limited attention in prior research. Second, it distinguishes between the effects of diversity and inclusion as separate dimensions. Third, it offers context-specific insights from ASEAN, highlighting how cultural and institutional factors may influence the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion practices.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

afr

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Accounting and Financial Review (AFRe), is a publication of Graduate School Program, University of Merdeka Malang. The journal is an article published continuously which is intended not only as a place to share ideas, study, and analysis but also as an information channel to improve and develop ...