WOMEN’s ROLE IN FAMILY BUSINESS

Abstract

This study analyzes women’s roles in family businesses using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to identify the dominant themes, challenges, and strategic opportunities shaping their participation and leadership within family firms. Drawing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2025 from major academic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald, and ScienceDirect, a total of twenty-five studies were selected through a rigorous screening process based on PRISMA guidelines and clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thematic analysis of the selected literature revealed five central dimensions: leadership and governance, decision-making involvement, succession and inheritance, work–family balance, and structural and cultural barriers. The findings demonstrate that women are increasingly occupying visible and formalized leadership and succession positions, contributing to innovation, ethical governance, and long-term sustainability; however, their roles remain constrained by systemic bias, patriarchal norms, and limited institutional recognition. The synthesis further indicates that supportive professional networks, gender-inclusive governance policies, structured mentorship, and transparent succession planning significantly enhance women’s leadership effectiveness and organizational impact. Overall, the study concludes that strengthening women’s participation in family businesses is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic imperative that reinforces sustainability, intergenerational continuity, and competitive advantage.