Exploring value systems and community engagement in indigenous black South African family businesses: a sociocultural perspective

Purpose Drawing on the social capital theory, this study aims to provide a sociocultural perspective on how value systems influence community-level social responsibility practices among indigenous black South African family businesses (FBs). The study responds to recent calls for more research on the role of family business values in shaping socially responsible behaviours at the community level. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a multiple case study design and uses seven family business cases to examine the value systems and the community engagement practices of indigenous black South African FBs. The software ATLAS.ti was used to manage the reflexive thematic analysis of the study data. Findings This study suggests that a symbiotic relationship exists between FBs and the communities in which they operate and that family business values shape the interaction between these businesses and the communities they serve. This study’s analysis reveals that the value sets found are collectivistic and humanistic in nature. Shaped by their emotional engagement, indigenous black South African FBs view community development and empowerment as part of their responsibility. These businesses value and appreciate their communities and strive to demonstrate this by undertaking various community-level social responsibility practices. Originality/value This study provides insights into the unique cultural values, traditions and practices that influence operational and decision-making aspects of community engagement and community-level social responsibility practices from an indigenous perspective. Additionally, this study develops a values-based community engagement framework that aligns with the inherent value systems of indigenous African FBs.