Digitalization, ict, sustainability, and performance in the latin american family business: A study with structural equations

Objective: This study aims to analyze the influence of gender and experience on adopting technology and sustainable practices in Latin American family businesses and determine the impact on their performance. Theoretical Framework: The focus of the company's resources and dynamic capabilities is on the influence of technological and sustainable capabilities on company performance and how the characteristics of the family business influence the ability to adapt. Method: The analysis was carried out using a structural equation model and a database of 11,169 micro, small, and medium-sized family enterprises from 17 Latin American countries. A Likert scale questionnaire was sent to company owners and/or managers via email, telephone, or social network applications. Results and Discussion: The gender of the manager and the organizational experience influence the use of ICTs and the implementation of digitalization strategies. Likewise, sustainability and digitalization strategies have a positive impact on company performance. Research implications: It is critical to develop public policies that drive the sustainability of family businesses as a viable strategy to address environmental challenges and ensure sustained economic growth. Also, the owners and managers of these companies must allocate resources to develop digital transformation capacities, integrating ICT to optimize business models and strengthen each link in the value chain. Originality/Value: This study enhances the family business literature by examining how organizational experience and gender affect key performance factors like digitalization and sustainability. The large, diverse sample strengthens the results' representativeness and applicability across different contexts.