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A Systematic Literature Review on Sustainability in Family Firms

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  • Carla Curado

    (ADVANCE/CSG, Lisbon School of Economics & Management, Universidade de Lisboa, 1200-781 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • António Mota

    (Lisbon School of Economics & Management, Universidade de Lisboa, 1200-781 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

In this study, we explore the research published from 2015 to 2020 on the importance of family firms (FFs) to sustainability. Our results come from a content analysis of 28 studies on this topic. Further, they deal with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry in Italy and Spain. These studies mainly follow a quantitative approach with data from a survey. This study’s main contribution regards the identification of three sorts of aspects associated to sustainability in FFs which match the three pillars of the triple bottom line approach that supports sustainable business development: social inclusion, economic development, and environmental protection. Our findings show that the family’s religiosity, reputation, and image play relevant roles in the FFs’ adoption of sustainable practices. Moreover, the CEO and their successor’s choices also have consequences for sustainability. These studies demonstrate how the family’s control, its values, and the industry influence the adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. FFs go green by adopting eco-innovation to adapt to the constantly changing environment and market pressures. We acknowledge the limitations of the study. We offer advice to colleagues when developing future futures studies to address the influence of cultural differences between FFs and non-FFs and suggest they perform comparative analyses. This research could lead to further investigation of the effects of other variables that may influence sustainability in the context of FFs.

Suggested Citation

  • Carla Curado & António Mota, 2021. "A Systematic Literature Review on Sustainability in Family Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:7:p:3824-:d:527258
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    3. Saif Ur Rehman & Yacoub Haider Hamdan, 2023. "Founding-Family Firms and CSR Performance in the Emerging Economy of India: A Socio-Emotional Wealth Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-24, May.
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    5. Régis Y. Chenavaz & Alexandra Couston & Stéphanie Heichelbech & Isabelle Pignatel & Stanko Dimitrov, 2023. "Corporate Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurial Ventures: A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-30, May.

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