Title: Gender differences in family business management: do they really exist?

Authors: Shaike Marom; Robert N. Lussier; Matthew C. Sonfield

Addresses: School of Management, Western Galilee College, P.O. Box 2125 Acre 24121, Israel ' Department of Business Management, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA ' The Robert F. Dall Distinguished, 229 Weller Hall, Zarb School of Business, Department of Management & Entrepreneurship, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1340, USA

Abstract: Research investigating whether there are gender differences in the management of businesses has produced mixed results. This study investigated gender differences within the family business sector. Empirical inquiry was based on data collected from 210 small family businesses in South America. Results indicate no significant gender differences in managerial activities and characteristics of the surveyed family businesses. Analysis of the results infers that such gender differences may be culture dependent. Theoretical and practical regional development implications for family business owner-managers, educators, consultants, and public policy and suggestions for further family business research are presented.

Keywords: family business; gender difference; SME management; social role theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFBRD.2020.111445

International Journal of Family Business and Regional Development, 2020 Vol.1 No.1, pp.25 - 45

Received: 26 Aug 2016
Accepted: 12 Jan 2017
Published online: 27 Nov 2020 *