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1 – 10 of 295
Article
Publication date: 1 February 1997

Sarla Sharma

Male violence against women in general is a major source of frustration, fear, distress, injury, and even death. It transcends lines of ethnicity, economic status, religious…

Abstract

Male violence against women in general is a major source of frustration, fear, distress, injury, and even death. It transcends lines of ethnicity, economic status, religious persuasion, sexual orientation, national origin, geographic regions, and age differences, and impacts even the existence of those women who do not experience violence directly (Coley & Beckett, 1988; Goodman, et al., 1993a; Johnson, 1996). The phenomenon of violence against women continues to be trivialised, ignored, or rationalised by individuals, societal institutions, and mental health professionals. This undermines its prevention and intervention efforts (Koss, et al., 1994). However, scholarly, public, and policy attention to this grave societal problem of inordinate magnitude has increased dramatically over the past two decades, and a number of important national policy reports have identified violence against women as a critical economic, criminal justice, and public health issue (Eichler & Patron, et al., 1987; Beijing World Conference on Women, 1995).

Details

Equal Opportunities International, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0261-0159

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2021

Salma Damak, Hela Ben Mbarek and Issal Haj-Salem

The purpose of this study is to investigate R&D investments in family firms.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate R&D investments in family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The socio-emotional wealth (SEW) perspective, considered as a dominant paradigm in the family business field, is the theoretical framework used to report different behaviors ascertained within family firms. This paper focuses on two dimensions of the SEW, namely, family control and influence and family identity. A suspected moderating role played by the firm’s life cycle stage on the dimensions is also investigated using panel data. To analyze the results, this paper uses the Smart PLS software on secondary data collected for 76 German family firms.

Findings

The empirical results reveal a negative influence of SEW on R&D investments. The prominent effect of the family control and influence dimension on R&D is higher in the first part of a firm life cycle.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis of this study is subject to several caveats. First, to measure the R&D investment, this paper used R&D intensity computed as the total annual R&D expenses by total sales. Except for the fact that the use of proxies received several criticizes from scholars (Berrone et al., 2012) claiming how they do not directly relate to the essence of the dimensions measured. Second, this paper used two out of five FIBER dimensions only in the study. This paper took the right direction, but still, the complexity of SEW may not be fully captured following this approach (Berrone et al., 2012).

Originality/value

This study could be considered as an important extension of prior research investigating R&D in family firms. The authors provide a valid empirical construct, the FIBER scale, to capture non-monotonic behaviors in family firms and an enlargement of the family firms and innovation management field of research.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2020

Marina Kashina and Sergey Tkach

The purpose of this paper is to characterize such a feature of the gender contract of Russian men as fatherhood escape, as well as to determine the social consequences that it has…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize such a feature of the gender contract of Russian men as fatherhood escape, as well as to determine the social consequences that it has for family relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out in the design of qualitative sociology. The methodology is based on the theoretical construct of a gender contract, adapted to modern Russian society and the concept of social practices. The empirical base consists of six expert interviews with specialists in family psychology and conflictology.

Findings

The fatherhood escape in modern Russia is characterized by the depreciation of emotional labor; marking communications with children and caring for them as exclusively female activities; presentation of their employment in the public sphere as a legitimate reason for avoiding family problems; the active use by men of the technique of ignoring replicas of the interlocutor as a technique in communication with family members. This worsens the quality of intra-family communication, leads to the separation of family members from each other, especially children and leads to an increase in their deviant behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The design of a qualitative study makes it impossible to assess the level of prevalence and severity of the phenomenon, this study is a pilot. Its purpose is to record the very fact of the existence of fatherhood escape in everyday family (social) practices. Subsequent studies should be able to show the relationship between fatherhood escape and domestic violence, as well as the role of this trait of the male gender contract in the reproduction of toxic masculinity.

Originality/value

The phenomenon of fatherhood escape and its social consequences in modern Russia is under-studied. This study contributes to the description of this phenomenon on Russian materials and also reveals some of the social consequences of this feature of the male gender contract, in particular its effect on intra-family communication, increasing the risk of deviant behavior of children and complicating the fulfillment by women of the “working mother” gender contract.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 41 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 August 2018

Andreas Gabriel and Vera Bitsch

While many studies in family business research focus on mono-causal impacts of succession, the purpose of this paper is to employ a systemic approach to analyze dynamic effects of…

8099

Abstract

Purpose

While many studies in family business research focus on mono-causal impacts of succession, the purpose of this paper is to employ a systemic approach to analyze dynamic effects of intra-family succession on multiple business areas in family-run companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A system analysis using a participatory approach was conducted for a reference family-run company operating in the horticultural retail sector in Germany. The Vester Sensitivity Model, supplemented with principles from system thinking was used to identify key variables related to intra-family succession.

Findings

Expert input and analysis of variable co-occurrence revealed key variables associated with succession such as “strategic planning,” “productivity” and “financial flexibility.” Dynamic interactions among various business areas were identified by simulating interventions in succession trajectories. In particular, key variables such as “conflicts between family and work” and “organizational climate” turned out to be highly sensitive to changes during a succession process.

Practical implications

The concept and design of this system analysis tool will allow practitioners such as company managers and business consultants to better understand complex interrelations within companies and provide additional guidance with regard to critical events like business transfer.

Originality/value

The present study uses system thinking to analyze succession and its dynamic and time-lagged impacts on affected business areas in family-run companies for the first time. Repeated application of the systemic approach presented here to real-world business cases will gradually improve the tool and the quality of information it provides.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2015

Isabel C. Botero, Gonzalo Gomez Betancourt, Jose Bernardo Betancourt Ramirez and Maria Piedad Lopez Vergara

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the family protocol as a governance policy tool that can help ameliorate intra-family conflict and enhance the probabilities of…

1068

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the family protocol as a governance policy tool that can help ameliorate intra-family conflict and enhance the probabilities of survivability of the family business.

Design/methodology/approach

Using equity theory and organizational justice as theoretical frameworks, the authors explain how and why the development of a protocol can help the family firm and their survivability. The authors combine academic and practitioner knowledge to present a process model for creating family protocols.

Findings

Based on four important considerations (i.e. process view, deep knowledge about the family business, dynamic environment, and the need for change and adaptation) the authors develop a process model for the development of family tailored protocols.

Originality/value

This paper integrates the work of practitioners and academics to help understand what is a family protocol, why and how the protocol affects the family and business relationships and presents a procedural model for the development of a family protocol that can help govern the relationship between the family and the business.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2022

Linchuan Wang, Qianying Gao and Cisheng Wu

The fundamental component of Confucian culture is clan culture, which stresses that family ties are the most important of all social relationships and have an essential impact on…

Abstract

Purpose

The fundamental component of Confucian culture is clan culture, which stresses that family ties are the most important of all social relationships and have an essential impact on the governance model of family firms in Southeast Asian countries, especially in China. This study investigates complex relationships among family firm succession and corporate governance reform in the context of Chinese clan culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the analysis of altruistic behavior and conflict in succession process in family firm, the study uses a moderation model to capture the relationships between succession and governance reform in the context of clan culture. This study conducts an empirical study on 295 Chinese listed family firms that initiated intergenerational succession from 2008 to 2018 to test the model.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that the different stages of the succession will positively affect the family firm's governance reform, whether it is the stage in which the successor takes over the firm or the stage in which the successor completely controls the firm. Furthermore, the succession-governance reform relationship is negatively moderated by the clan concept of the actual controller.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how succession in the family firm can accelerate corporate governance reform (transition from relation-based governance to rule-based governance). The research results provide evidence from the firm-level under the Chinese clan culture context to understand the complex relationship between succession and corporate governance.

Details

Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2015

Enver Halili, Ali Salman Saleh and Rami Zeitun

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the long-term operating performance of family and non-family firms from the agency theoretic perspective. The…

1072

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the long-term operating performance of family and non-family firms from the agency theoretic perspective. The analysis is focused on investigating the impact of family ownership on principal–agent conflicts of interest.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the relationship between firm operating performance and family ownership for a large sample of 677 Australian-listed companies. The paper uses the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator model developed by Arellano and Bond (1991) and used by other studies in finance (Baltagi, 2012; Bond, 2002; Mohamed et al., 2008).

Findings

The empirical results show that firms with ownership concentration has a better operating performance due to the alignment of owner-management interests. This study also finds that family-listed companies have higher survival rates and perform better than non-family companies. Findings support the hypothesis that agency costs arise as a result of privileged access of information and self-interest behaviour of managers (outsiders) in firms with dispersed ownership structures.

Originality/value

Earlier studies have only focused on short-term perspectives, particularly investigating small and medium types of Australian family businesses from narrow aspects, such as productivity, business behaviour, capital structure and leverage. Therefore, this paper has conducted a comparative examination of family and non-family firms listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) to identify the impact of agency costs on their financial performance.

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Shital Jayantilal, Sílvia Ferreira Jorge and Paulo Alcarva

Family businesses are essential to the global economy but often grapple with family-related issues, especially during succession. This study explores how governance tools like the…

Abstract

Purpose

Family businesses are essential to the global economy but often grapple with family-related issues, especially during succession. This study explores how governance tools like the family protocol (FP) mitigate conflicts by setting standards for family firm management and continuity. Pioneering the use of game theory and adverse selection setups in family business governance, this research uncovers FP determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs game theory and adverse selection setups to delve into the strategic decision-making processes of stakeholders in family firms. The authors break new ground by applying principal–agent theory (PAT) to family business governance structures. This innovative approach uncovers the determinants of the FP, enhancing the authors’ understanding of family firm dynamics.

Findings

The authors emphasize the importance of custom governance structures, such as the FP, in managing complex family-business interactions. These structures mitigate conflicts and promote smoother transitions during succession, ensuring family firm continuity. This study identifies key determinants, and these results will aid founders, families and practitioners in achieving smoother transitions, ensuring family firm continuity.

Originality/value

This research pioneers game theory and PAT applications in family business governance, shedding light on the effectiveness of customized governance mechanisms. By identifying FP determinants, the authors contribute to a deeper understanding of family firm dynamics. The findings have practical implications for founders, families, practitioners and consultants, promoting the long-term success and harmony of family firms in the global economy.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 June 2021

Nuntana Udomkit, Puttipong Kittidusadee and Claus Schreier

The purpose of this paper is to explore the attributes a subsequent successor in family business should possess and to examine differences in expected attributes in the eyes of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the attributes a subsequent successor in family business should possess and to examine differences in expected attributes in the eyes of the incumbent and a successor-to-be.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the classic framework of Chrisman et al. (1998), 60 in-depth interviews were conducted with family business predecessors and successors-to-be in Thailand.

Findings

The attributes of competence and personality traits were prominent in this research; while the importance of current involvement with family business, relationship with incumbent, the relationship with family members, along with family standing, appears to be less important than expected in the context of an Asian collectivistic society. This research highlights the divergent gaps in the attributes desired by the incumbents and successors-to-be. 28 significant gaps between incumbents and successors-to-be have been found in 56.67% of the firms in this research. A majority of the gaps have been, surprisingly, found in the attributes of competence, incumbent relationship and family standing.

Research limitations/implications

To increase its reliability, a study with a greater number of family businesses should be conducted, thereby increasing the amount of empirical data on this topic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the under explored research area of differences in expected attributes in the eyes of the incumbent and a successor-to-be. They can be indicators for potential intra-family conflicts and unsmoothed transition.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2021

Aleš Kubíček and Ondřej Machek

The purpose of this study is to integrate status conflict, as a relatively recent and unexplored phenomenon, to the family business literature.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to integrate status conflict, as a relatively recent and unexplored phenomenon, to the family business literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow multilevel theory building to develop a multilevel conceptual model of status conflict in family firms (FFs).

Findings

The authors identify the main antecedents, processes and consequences of status conflict at three levels of analysis (individual, family and firm) unique to FFs. Seventeen theoretical propositions at three levels of analysis are presented.

Originality/value

The authors address the need for multilevel research for organisations and multilevel status research, contribute to the under-researched theory of conflicts in FFs and show that the conflict literature, which has predominantly focussed on the individual- and group-level factors, can borrow from the family business literature, which has primarily been oriented to the group- and firm-level factors.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

1 – 10 of 295