Women in family businesses: utilising assistance for success

Abstract

As women in family firms experience challenges in leadership, we explore how sources of assistance and networking have been valuable to their success. Using a case study approach, we interviewed respondents from 18 US family firms in diverse industries. Respondents explained the importance of receiving assistance and guidance from both internal and external sources. We identified important types of needed information and external assistance sources. We generated four propositions from our study and noted the positive effect of close family ties and the negative effects of gender bias and family conflict.