Exploring Gender Dynamics and Environmental Sustainability in Family Firms

Authors

  • Adelinda Ramos REMIT – Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Porto, Portugal
  • Shital Jayantilal REMIT – Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Porto, Portugal
  • Filipe Sardo CEFAGE – Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/icgr.7.1.2045

Keywords:

Environmental sustainability, Family business, Family ownership, Gender, Social sustainability, Sustainable development

Abstract

In an ever-changing landscape, family businesses, characterized by their unique blend of tradition, familial bonds, and entrepreneurial spirit, stand as bastions of resilience and continuity, playing a pivotal role in economic growth and societal development. Indeed, family businesses account for 80 percent of all business enterprises worldwide, making them the prevalent form of conducting business. As these entities grapple with the imperative to remain economically viable while navigating the intricacies of the contemporary business landscape, the incorporation of sustainable practices into the organizational fabric takes centre stage. By actively seeking a harmonious and reciprocal relationship between financial objectives, social responsibility, and environmental accountability, family businesses can not only secure their own longevity but also contribute to a more equitable and sustainable global environment. This narrative becomes especially compelling at the intersection with gender. Exploring the intersection between gender and sustainability provides insights into how gender dynamics influence and are influenced by efforts to achieve sustainable development. Moreover, understanding and addressing this interplay is essential for devising holistic and effective strategies that promote social equity, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship. It underscores the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches in all aspects of sustainable development. Acknowledging the significance of this ongoing dialogue, this study delves into the intricate relationship between gender dynamics and the environmental dimension of sustainability within family businesses. Through a systematic literature review of empirical research, this work specifically aims to uncover the linkage between board gender diversity and corporate environmental performance. The findings indicate that gender-diverse boards improve environmental value creation, and women in leadership positions correlate positively with environmental disclosure in family-controlled businesses. Overall, a strong positive correlation emerges between the proportion of women directors on the board and the level of environmental sustainability. The findings of this study hold implications not only for family business practitioners but also for policymakers and academics interested in propelling gender equality and sustainability agendas, notably within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Author Biographies

Adelinda Ramos, REMIT – Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Porto, Portugal

Adelinda Ramos is currently pursuing a PhD programme in Business Sciences at Universidade Portucalense (UPT) while concurrently holding a research position at REMIT – Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies. She has been bestowed with a scholarship funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). She is passionate about exploring the intricate dynamics of family businesses, particularly at the intersection with sustainability issues. Having demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a knack for interdisciplinary research, Adelinda is poised to make meaningful contributions to the understanding of sustainable practices within the context of family businesses. Through her research endeavours, she aspires to foster the long-term success of family-run enterprises and generate a positive impact on society as a whole.

Shital Jayantilal, REMIT – Research on Economics, Management and Information Technologies, Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Porto, Portugal

Shital Jayantilal is an Associate Professor at Universidade Portucalense (UPT) and currently heads the School of Economics and Management at UPT. She completed her PhD in Business Management and International Commerce at Universidad de Extremadura (Spain). Her doctoral thesis, and research interest, are focused on family firms and, the unique challenges they face. She is member of the Family Business Research and Training Centre (Extremadura University).  Her research interests also include: managerial succession; governance in family firms; strategic design and implementation; impact of culture on management and has recently ventured into fields such as: efficiency of anti-money laundering policies and experimental economics. Having been awarded the 2021- Schulze Publication award by Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange and Family Business editorial teams.

Filipe Sardo, CEFAGE – Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal

Filipe Sardo is Assistant Professor at University of Beira Interior and Researcher in CEFAGE-UBI. The research interests are Intellectual Capital and Corporate Finance. He has published in Journals, such as Journal of Intellectual Capital, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Research in International Business and Finance, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Structural Change and Economic Dynamics and Eurasian Business Review.

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Published

2024-04-18