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Corporate Social Performance of Family Firms: A Place-Based Perspective in the Context of Layoffs

Author

Listed:
  • Kihun Kim

    (Miami University)

  • Zulfiquer Ali Haider

    (University of Manitoba
    North South University)

  • Zhenyu Wu

    (University of Manitoba)

  • Junsheng Dou

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

This paper investigates the layoff behavior, a typical people dimension of corporate social performance (CSP), of family firms from a place-based perspective. We theorize that a place-based culture within family firms ensures that all organizational members share a deep sense of connection with the place of operations which makes them inherently care about their impact on society. Using data on layoffs of 2000 largest US firms between 1994 and 2007, we find that family firms do indeed exhibit a lower tendency to lay off employees in comparison to non-family firms; this relationship is particularly strong in ‘places’ with low population where the negative social externalities related to layoffs tend to be higher. Further post hoc analyses indicate that family firms have a strong place-based culture which can provide resource-based competitive advantages.

Suggested Citation

  • Kihun Kim & Zulfiquer Ali Haider & Zhenyu Wu & Junsheng Dou, 2020. "Corporate Social Performance of Family Firms: A Place-Based Perspective in the Context of Layoffs," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(2), pages 235-252, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:167:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04152-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04152-5
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    2. Vivien Lefebvre, 2024. "Layoffs in SMEs: The Role of Social Proximity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 190(4), pages 801-820, April.
    3. Haider, Zulfiquer & Wang, Yefeng & Wang, Yuan, 2024. "Family firm, financial constraint, and environmental preparedness: An international study," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    4. Stefano Amato & Rodrigo Basco & Nicola Lattanzi, 2022. "Contextualizing employment outcomes in family business research: current findings and future research avenues," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 72(2), pages 531-604, June.
    5. Christoph Stock & Laura Pütz & Sabrina Schell & Arndt Werner, 2024. "Corporate Social Responsibility in Family Firms: Status and Future Directions of a Research Field," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 190(1), pages 199-259, February.
    6. William Nikolakis & Doina Olaru & Andreas Kallmuenzer, 2022. "What motivates environmental and social sustainability in family firms? A cross‐cultural survey," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2351-2364, July.
    7. Kowalik, Elena, 2023. "Ethical Problems in Family Firms," Junior Management Science (JUMS), Junior Management Science e. V., vol. 8(2), pages 431-452.
    8. Wang, Fangjun & Wang, Xuanzi & Li, Boying & Liu, Yang S., 2023. "Ownership structure and eco-innovation: Evidence from Chinese family firms," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).

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