Are family female directors catalysts of innovation in family small and medium enterprises?

Bauweraerts J., Rondi E., Rovelli P., De Massis A., Sciascia S.

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We examine the role that women who are members of the family owning a business play in the decision making of SMEs. Specifically, we investigate the influence that the involvement of family female directors in the board of family SMEs exerts on innovation decisions.

To empirically address this line of inquiry, we conducted a survey on 287 Belgian family SMEs. Our analysis shows that the involvement of family female directors in the board fosters family SME's innovation investments. Yet, such an influence is weakened by the intention of the family to retain control over the business but is enhanced by the identification of family members with the firm and by the desire to renew family bonds through dynastic succession. Therefore, our study cautions family SMEs' owners and managers to pay attention to these important dimensions of diversity when appointing directors to their board.


Reference

  • Bauweraerts, J., Rondi, E., Rovelli, P., De Massis, A., & Sciascia, S. (in press). Are family female directors catalysts of innovation in family SMEs? Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1420


2022-06-14