CeFEO Research seminar

Diversity in the Making: Insights from Family Business Research

Lia Tirabeni and Daniel Pittino

(Lia Tirabeni is Associate Professor at University of Milano-Bicocca)

March 10, 12:00-13:00 CST

B7030 and Zoom

Zoom link: http://cefeo.se/zoom

ABSTRACT: How does paternalistic leadership in family businesses shape diversity, particularly in terms of gender, age, and social belonging? Furthermore, how do these factors contribute to patterns of inclusion and exclusion within family firms? This study explores various dimensions of diversity in the family business context, with a particular focus on how paternalistic leadership—characterized by clan control and socioemotional wealth preservation—influences organizational practices that foster and perpetuate discriminatory and exclusionary dynamics. Specifically, we examine how gender, age, and social belonging—whether to the family unit or the local societal context— an influence roles, conditions, and opportunities within family firms. Our analysis builds on insights from recent literature in family business research, supplemented by empirical findings and fields notes from the Italian family business context. The study underscores that, while family businesses are highly resilient and play a crucial role in global economies, their deeply ingrained traditional structures can create obstacles to diversity and inclusion. Addressing these challenges requires both internal cultural transformations and external interventions from policymakers, investors, and employees. Finally, this research calls for further investigation into how family business governance and leadership practices contribute to shape broader societal perceptions of diversity. Given their strong socio-economic influence, family firms may, in fact, serve as mechanisms for the reproduction of traditional gender roles and social hierarchies, thereby influencing inclusion policies and diversity frameworks across the wider economic and social landscape beyond the firm.