Women’s roles in Indian family business: a typology from the governance perspective

Purpose Family businesses are a major economic force, and there is a need to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in family businesses. The paper aims to understand the role of women in Indian family businesses. This paper draws upon the social identity theory while exploring the degree of engagement and participation exhibited by women in family-owned enterprises based on leadership position and decision-making, throughout diverse regions of India. Design/methodology/approach This study is applying a qualitative approach by conducting interviews with a purposive snowball sample of 20 women from family business backgrounds. To understand the participation of women in family business, a taxonomy of roles is distilled from a rigorous thematic analysis. Findings The investigation unveils a nuanced panorama of roles assumed by these individuals. The roles and corresponding responsibilities are intricately intertwined with the perceived self-identity of the women and the contextual environment in which they may be situated. Furthermore, the inclusion or exclusion of women within the family business domain appears contingent upon their self-appraisal of competence and the intensity of familial support extended to them. Research limitations/implications The exploratory study contributes to the debate on the role of women in family business. The analysis provides a taxonomy where women are involved in the family business, whether directly or indirectly. The future study could discuss each of the categorizations of women’s involvement in the family business based on the leadership role and authority. Social implications Historically, the role of women in family businesses has often been perceived as inferior or negligible. This study aims to challenge that perception by highlighting the significant involvement of women at various levels within family businesses. The findings reveal that when women are provided with a distinct identity within their social circles, they become more confident and independent. This, in turn, enhances social inclusivity, fostering a more inclusive and equitable business environment. Originality/value This study brings forth the sociocultural demarcations that build their identity and mindset of entering into a family business or starting their own business. The mapping of involvement of women in family business is based on a governance perspective, i.e. the strategic decision-making and the leadership role that women have in the family business.