Change search
Link to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Publications (10 of 11) Show all publications
Carbone, E., Manzi, M. A., Cirillo, A. & Sciascia, S. (2025). Tax Avoidance in Family Firms: A Multi-Level Literature Review. ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESEARCH JOURNAL
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Tax Avoidance in Family Firms: A Multi-Level Literature Review
2025 (English)In: ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESEARCH JOURNAL, ISSN 2194-6175Article, review/survey (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

While tax avoidance has attracted scholarly and policy interest over the years, its peculiarities in family business are far from being completely understood. Motivated by the growing attention to family firms' tax-saving strategies, this paper aims to critically and systematically review the 42 articles on tax avoidance in family businesses published up to June 2024. The study organises the literature upon four levels of analysis and offers future research avenues to move our knowledge on the topic forward.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Walter de Gruyter, 2025
Keywords
tax avoidance, family business, literature review, future research
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-67197 (URN)10.1515/erj-2024-0157 (DOI)001399682800001 ()2-s2.0-85215860738 (Scopus ID)HOA;;997895 (Local ID)HOA;;997895 (Archive number)HOA;;997895 (OAI)
Available from: 2025-02-03 Created: 2025-02-03 Last updated: 2025-02-03
Brunelli, S., Vena, L., Sciascia, S. & Naldi, L. (2024). Does family power drive the size transition of entrepreneurial family firms? A study on the growth of Italian manufacturing firms. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 31(6), 1175-1200
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Does family power drive the size transition of entrepreneurial family firms? A study on the growth of Italian manufacturing firms
2024 (English)In: Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, ISSN 1462-6004, E-ISSN 1758-7840, Vol. 31, no 6, p. 1175-1200Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose: This paper explores the drivers and inhibitors of the transition of entrepreneurial family firms from small to large firms. We adopt two contrasting theoretical perspectives, i.e. agency and stewardship, to explore the effects of family power on size transition.

Design/methodology/approach: We adopted an original research design that leverages a unique longitudinal database built starting from the list of the 500 best Italian manufacturing family firms published by the AUB Monitor in 2018. Specifically, we tested our hypotheses using a comprehensive set of financial and governance data from 89 Italian manufacturing family firms covering a 10-year period. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a survival analysis using a Cox regression.

Findings: We find an inverted U-shaped relationship between family involvement in ownership and size transition: size transition is more likely to happen at intermediate levels of family involvement in ownership. Additionally, our analysis shows that family involvement in the board of directors negatively impacts size transition, while the presence of a family CEO has a positive influence.

Originality/value: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first exploration of the phenomenon of size transition within entrepreneurial family firms. We believe it was worthwhile for two reasons. First, small size is frequently regarded as a weakness when competing in international markets, investing in R&D, or rewarding shareholders. Second, since small family firms are the major contributors to the world economy, understanding the factors that facilitate their transition to large firms can have a significant impact on overall economic development and prosperity. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2024
Keywords
Entrepreneurial firms, Family business, Family power, Growth, Size transition
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-65665 (URN)10.1108/JSBED-09-2023-0452 (DOI)001258623300001 ()2-s2.0-85197409482 (Scopus ID);intsam;962843 (Local ID);intsam;962843 (Archive number);intsam;962843 (OAI)
Available from: 2024-07-15 Created: 2024-07-15 Last updated: 2025-01-12Bibliographically approved
Brunelli, S., Sciascia, S. & Baù, M. (2024). Nonfinancial reporting in family firms: A systematic review and agenda for future research. Business Strategy and the Environment, 33(2), 162-179
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Nonfinancial reporting in family firms: A systematic review and agenda for future research
2024 (English)In: Business Strategy and the Environment, ISSN 0964-4733, E-ISSN 1099-0836, Vol. 33, no 2, p. 162-179Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This paper offers a systematic review of the literature on nonfinancial reporting in family firms, which has substantially grown in recent years. We identified and analyzed 74 articles published between 2002 and 2023. The work contributes to the domains of nonfinancial reporting and family business by providing an integrative and critical overview of the literature and by identifying future research avenues. We conclude by offering practical implications for managers, consultants, and policymakers.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
John Wiley & Sons, 2024
Keywords
family business, integrated reporting, literature review, nonfinancial reporting
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-61781 (URN)10.1002/bse.3484 (DOI)001009103900001 ()2-s2.0-85162271372 (Scopus ID)HOA;;888720 (Local ID)HOA;;888720 (Archive number)HOA;;888720 (OAI)
Available from: 2023-06-30 Created: 2023-06-30 Last updated: 2025-01-12Bibliographically approved
Bauweraerts, J., Cirillo, A. & Sciascia, S. (2024). Socioemotional Wealth and Tax Aggressiveness in Private Family Firms: The Role of the CEO's Characteristics. Family Business Review, 37(3), 370-395
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Socioemotional Wealth and Tax Aggressiveness in Private Family Firms: The Role of the CEO's Characteristics
2024 (English)In: Family Business Review, ISSN 0894-4865, E-ISSN 1741-6248, Vol. 37, no 3, p. 370-395Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Building on recent works calling for more tax research in the family business context, this study draws on the distinction between restricted and extended socioemotional wealth (SEW) to analyze how both SEW dimensions affect tax aggressiveness. Based on a sample of 201 private Belgian family firms, consistent findings from multiple regression analyses indicate that restricted SEW is positively related to tax aggressiveness, whereas extended SEW exerts a negative influence on tax aggressiveness. Our results also indicate that the family status of the CEO, CEO gender and CEO tenure moderate the relationship between both SEW dimensions and tax aggressiveness.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Sage Publications, 2024
Keywords
private family firms, tax aggressiveness, socioemotional wealth, CEO
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-63540 (URN)10.1177/08944865231223562 (DOI)001150427200001 ()2-s2.0-85183834282 (Scopus ID)HOA;intsam;937053 (Local ID)HOA;intsam;937053 (Archive number)HOA;intsam;937053 (OAI)
Available from: 2024-02-13 Created: 2024-02-13 Last updated: 2025-01-12Bibliographically approved
Gjergji, R., Vena, L., Campopiano, G., Sciascia, S. & Cortesi, A. (2024). Strategy disclosure and cost of capital: The key role of women directors for family firms. The Journal of Family Business Strategy, 15(2), Article ID 100570.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Strategy disclosure and cost of capital: The key role of women directors for family firms
Show others...
2024 (English)In: The Journal of Family Business Strategy, ISSN 1877-8585, E-ISSN 1877-8593, Vol. 15, no 2, article id 100570Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This paper investigates whether and to what extent strategy disclosure influences the cost of capital, comparing family and non-family firms and considering the proportion of women directors. We theorize that voluntary strategy disclosure may be either beneficial or detrimental depending on the perceptions by financial stakeholders about the role of governance attributes. These stakeholders might, indeed, assess strategy disclosure differently based on their stereotyped view of the family firm status and women's involvement on the board of directors. By referring to a sample of 93 listed Italian small and medium-sized enterprises, we show that, unlike with their non-family counterparts, strategy disclosure increases the cost of capital for family firms. However, an increasing proportion of women directors softens this negative effect. Moreover, when a critical mass of women directors is appointed to the board, the strategy disclosure becomes beneficial for family firms too. We consequently offer a threefold contribution to the literature on gender diversity, family business and corporate voluntary disclosure.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Board of directors, Cost of capital, Family business, Strategy disclosure, Women directors
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-62189 (URN)10.1016/j.jfbs.2023.100570 (DOI)001257761500001 ()2-s2.0-85164180182 (Scopus ID);intsam;1789036 (Local ID);intsam;1789036 (Archive number);intsam;1789036 (OAI)
Available from: 2023-08-17 Created: 2023-08-17 Last updated: 2024-07-19Bibliographically approved
Maggi, B., Gjergji, R., Vena, L., Sciascia, S. & Cortesi, A. (2023). Family firm status and environmental disclosure: The moderating effect of board gender diversity. Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility, 32(4), 1334-1351
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Family firm status and environmental disclosure: The moderating effect of board gender diversity
Show others...
2023 (English)In: Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility, ISSN 2694-6416, Vol. 32, no 4, p. 1334-1351Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Building on agency and resource-based view theories, this study investigates the level of environmental disclosure (ED) practices of family versus non-family firms and explores the moderating role of board gender diversity. We test our hypotheses on a 3-year (2018–2020) panel data sample comprising 324 observations of Italian small- and medium-sized enterprises traded on the Euronext Growth Milan. Findings show that, compared to non-family firms, companies with a family firm status are characterized by lower levels of ED. Gender diversity on the board, however, moderates this relationship, reducing this gap, to the extent that the family firm status is associated with higher ED when the number of women directors is high enough to constitute a critical mass. We consequently contribute to the studies on family business, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
John Wiley & Sons, 2023
Keywords
board gender diversity, CSR, environmental disclosure, family firms
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-62251 (URN)10.1111/beer.12578 (DOI)001040822500001 ()2-s2.0-85166514813 (Scopus ID);intsam;898079 (Local ID);intsam;898079 (Archive number);intsam;898079 (OAI)
Available from: 2023-08-22 Created: 2023-08-22 Last updated: 2024-03-26Bibliographically approved
Maggi, B., Pongelli, C. & Sciascia, S. (2023). Family firms and international equity-based entry modes: a systematic literature review. Multinational Business Review, 31(1), 38-63
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Family firms and international equity-based entry modes: a systematic literature review
2023 (English)In: Multinational Business Review, ISSN 1525-383X, Vol. 31, no 1, p. 38-63Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose - Although research on family firms (FF) internationalization has seen a boom over the past 30 years, the understanding of how FFs internationalize with equity modes is still fragmented. Indeed, the majority of extant literature on this topic identifies internationalization with export, overlooking the alternative equity-based entry modes FFs have when entering a foreign country. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap with a framework-based systematic literature review on the topic to improve the understanding of this phenomenon and propose a way forward.

Design/methodology/approach - This study conducted a framework-based systematic literature review of 93 papers published between 1993 and 2021.

Findings - This study adds to the current debate on FFs internationalization by integrating previous review efforts with a deeper investigation of FFs' equity-based entry modes. This study contributes to this body of knowledge in the family business research by synthetizing and systematizing extant literature with a framework-based approach from the international business (IB) field. In so doing, this study builds a stronger link between these two areas of research. Finally, research gaps and promising research avenues for future studies are also presented.

Originality/value - This study responds to the call to create a dialogue between the FFs and IB fields by systematizing the extant body of knowledge and integrating the FF literature with one of the most widely used frameworks (Pan and Tse, 2000) on entry modes in the IB domain.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2023
Keywords
Family firms, Internationalization, Entry modes, Framework-based systematic literature review
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-59015 (URN)10.1108/MBR-05-2022-0080 (DOI)000884981100001 ()2-s2.0-85142179582 (Scopus ID);intsam;845123 (Local ID);intsam;845123 (Archive number);intsam;845123 (OAI)
Available from: 2022-12-01 Created: 2022-12-01 Last updated: 2024-03-26Bibliographically approved
Martínez-Alonso, R., Martínez-Romero, M. J., Rojo-Ramírez, A. A., Lazzarotti, V. & Sciascia, S. (2023). Process innovation in family firms: Family involvement in management, R&D collaboration with suppliers, and technology protection. Journal of Business Research, 157, Article ID 113581.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Process innovation in family firms: Family involvement in management, R&D collaboration with suppliers, and technology protection
Show others...
2023 (English)In: Journal of Business Research, ISSN 0148-2963, E-ISSN 1873-7978, Vol. 157, article id 113581Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Drawing on insights from the upper echelon theory, this article aims to examine the impact of family involvement in management on process innovation within family firms, considering the mediating role of R&D collaboration with suppliers and the moderating role of technology protection. Conducting a panel data analysis on 5,332 firm-year observations of Spanish manufacturing family firms for the period 2007–2016, we find that the negative relationship between family involvement in management and process innovation is mediated by R&D collaboration with suppliers. Furthermore, we find that the negative effect of family involvement in management on R&D collaboration with suppliers and ultimately on process innovation is mitigated by technology protection and even becomes positive for high levels of technology protection.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2023
Keywords
Family involvement in management, Process innovation, R&D collaboration with suppliers, Technology protection
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-59339 (URN)10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113581 (DOI)000914717600001 ()2-s2.0-85145333033 (Scopus ID);intsam;1724859 (Local ID);intsam;1724859 (Archive number);intsam;1724859 (OAI)
Available from: 2023-01-09 Created: 2023-01-09 Last updated: 2023-02-23Bibliographically approved
Pongelli, C., Majocchi, A., Bauweraerts, J., Sciascia, S., Caroli, M. & Verbeke, A. (2023). The impact of board of directors’ characteristics on the internationalization of family SMEs. Journal of World Business, 58(2), Article ID 101412.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The impact of board of directors’ characteristics on the internationalization of family SMEs
Show others...
2023 (English)In: Journal of World Business, ISSN 1090-9516, E-ISSN 1878-5573, Vol. 58, no 2, article id 101412Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Family small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face both general bounded rationality challenges and a unique expression of bounded rationality in their internationalization process: the bifurcation bias, a concept aligned with modern transaction cost theory (TCT). We argue that efficient governance in family SMEs, and especially features of the Board of Directors’ composition, can help alleviate bounded rationality. Complementing TCT with upper echelons theory (UET), we investigate which Board characteristics in family SMEs contribute to efficient governance and the ensuing strategy decisions. We focus specifically on strategy decisions in the internationalization sphere. Our empirical analysis of survey data from 328 Belgian family SMEs, operating out of a small open economy, reveals that family SMEs internationalize more if their Boards are ‘open’, ‘inclusive’, ‘experienced’ and ‘active’. These Board characteristics, all reflective of efficient governance, i.e., providing the Board with the capacity to alleviate bounded rationality constraints, positively contribute to internationalization, especially (and perhaps paradoxically) when the family SME is managed by a CEO who is also a family member.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2023
Keywords
Bifurcation bias, Board of directors, Bounded rationality, Family firms, Internationalization, SMEs
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-59128 (URN)10.1016/j.jwb.2022.101412 (DOI)001020979900001 ()2-s2.0-85143074251 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-12-12 Created: 2022-12-12 Last updated: 2024-09-04Bibliographically approved
Bauweraerts, J., Rondi, E., Rovelli, P., De Massis, A. & Sciascia, S. (2022). Are family female directors catalysts of innovation in family small and medium enterprises?. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 16(2), 314-354
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Are family female directors catalysts of innovation in family small and medium enterprises?
Show others...
2022 (English)In: Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, ISSN 1932-4391, E-ISSN 1932-443X, Vol. 16, no 2, p. 314-354Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Research Summary: While family small and medium enterprises (SMEs) increasingly involve women in their boards, the role of female directors as catalysts of innovation is yet to be fully understood. Drawing on upper echelons theory, we examine directors’ gender in conjunction with family affiliation to investigate the influence of family female directors on family SMEs’ innovation. Moreover, by analyzing the contingent role of socioemotional wealth preferences, we open the black box of noneconomic aspects shaping the cognition and behavior of boards. Our analysis of a unique survey-based sample of 287 Belgian family SMEs reveals that family female directors do exert a positive influence on R&D intensity. However, according to the mixed gamble logic, this influence is filtered by the positive and negative moderation of their socioemotional wealth preferences.

Managerial Summary: We examine the role that women who are members of the family owning a business play in the decision making of SMEs. Specifically, we investigate the influence that the involvement of family female directors in the board of family SMEs exerts on innovation decisions. To empirically address this line of inquiry, we conducted a survey on 287 Belgian family SMEs. Our analysis shows that the involvement of family female directors in the board fosters family SME’s innovation investments. Yet, such an influence is weakened by the intention of the family to retain control over the business but is enhanced by the identification of family members with the firm and by the desire to renew family bonds through dynastic succession. Therefore, our study cautions family SMEs’ owners and managers to pay attention to these important dimensions of diversity when appointing directors to their board. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
John Wiley & Sons, 2022
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-55948 (URN)10.1002/sej.1420 (DOI)000755464700001 ()2-s2.0-85124601468 (Scopus ID);intsam;1640860 (Local ID);intsam;1640860 (Archive number);intsam;1640860 (OAI)
Available from: 2022-02-28 Created: 2022-02-28 Last updated: 2022-09-16Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0001-7065-0410

Search in DiVA

Show all publications