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Gender diversity in top-management positions in large family and nonfamily businesses

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  • Kay, Rosemarie
  • Schlömer-Laufen, Nadine

Abstract

(Why) does the sex ratio in top-management positions in large family and nonfamily businesses differ? Using a unique data set and estimating (fractional) logit regressions we show that the female share in top-management positions in family businesses exceeds the one in nonfamily businesses. One reason is the selection mechanism social homophily from which females in family businesses benefit more because of a higher female share in the decision making body in family businesses. Another reason is the pathway self-appointment as (co-) leader of one's own business which is more common in family businesses. Nepotism seems not to play a role.

Suggested Citation

  • Kay, Rosemarie & Schlömer-Laufen, Nadine, 2016. "Gender diversity in top-management positions in large family and nonfamily businesses," Working Papers 02/16, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifmwps:0216
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    Cited by:

    1. Pilar Giraldez-Puig & Emma Berenguer, 2018. "Family Female Executives and Firm Financial Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Kay, Rosemarie & Nielen, Sebastian, 2018. "Die Beschäftigungs- und Einkommenssituation von Young Women MINT Professionals im Mittelstand," Daten und Fakten 22, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn.
    3. Ettl, Kerstin & Welter, Friederike & Achtenhagen, Leona, 2016. ""Das 21. Jahrhundert ist weiblich": Unternehmerinnen in der Presse," IfM-Materialien 249, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn.
    4. Fabel, Oliver & Mináriková, Dana & Hopp, Christian, 2022. "Differences and similarities in executive hiring decisions of family and non-family firms," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 13(2).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gender diversity; top-management positions; family businesses; selection mechanisms; pathways into top-management;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions

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