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Exploring Gender Dynamics and Empowerment in Family Businesses

Author

Listed:
  • Dr. Subha Chelliappan

    (Associate Professor, Department of Management Studies and Research, Coimbatore Institute of Management and Technology, Narasipuram, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu – 641109)

  • Mrs. Rekha. C

    (Research Scholar, Department of Management Studies and Research, Coimbatore Institute of Management and Technology, Narasipuram, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu – 641109)

Abstract

This study explores the gender dynamics landscape of women’s participation and empowerment in family businesses. It focuses on along with Gender Dynamics, Decision-Making Power, Resource Distribution, Recognition and Respect, and Emotional and Social Climate are included. The growing context on gender equality, women in family businesses often raises leadership inclusion, decision-making authority, access to resources, recognition for contributions, and emotional support. The existing studies has identified individual aspects of women’s participation that also leaving structural, relational, and emotional factors on women’s empowerment within family enterprises. It identifies the gap in the underlying dimensions of the key variables by using factor analysis and develop the constructs using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It analyse how gender dynamics, decision-making power, resource distribution, recognition and respect, and emotional and social climate comprehensively influence women’s engagement, influence, and recognition in family businesses. A sample of 306 family business members was surveyed and results revealed that recognition and decision-making power, significantly impact women’s participation, others, including resource distribution and emotional climate, show moderate effects. In this study identify the importance of equitable practices, transparent resource allocation, collective decision-making, and supportive social environments in enhancing women’s empowerment. From this study provide significant findings on family businesses to promote gender equity, inclusive participation, and strengthen organizational sustainability through a balanced and supportive environment for all family members.

Suggested Citation

  • Dr. Subha Chelliappan & Mrs. Rekha. C, 2026. "Exploring Gender Dynamics and Empowerment in Family Businesses," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(3), pages 3113-3124, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:3:p:3113-3124
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mariano Méndez-Suárez & Ramón Arilla & Luca Delbello, 2025. "The perception of effort as a driver of gender inequality: institutional and social insights for female entrepreneurship," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-20, December.
    2. Nabamita Dutta & Adam Stivers & Russell S. Sobel, 2025. "To Equality: Gendered Outcomes, Economic Freedom & Gender Laws," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 78(3), pages 896-921, August.
    3. Aldrich, Howard E. & Brumana, Mara & Campopiano, Giovanna & Minola, Tommaso, 2021. "Embedded but not asleep: Entrepreneurship and family business research in the 21st century," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 12(1).
    4. Discua Cruz, Allan & Hamilton, Eleanor & Campopiano, Giovanna & Jack, Sarah L., 2024. "Women’s entrepreneurial stewardship: The contribution of women to family business continuity in rural areas of Honduras," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 15(1).
    5. María Atienza-Barba & Jesús del Brío-González & María Mitre-Aranda & Virginia Barba-Sánchez, 2025. "Gender differences in the impact of ecological awareness on entrepreneurial intent," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-19, December.
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