EXPORTING FAMILY FIRMS IN SPAIN: THE ROLE OF WOMEN

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Abstract

In this study we have focused on the export activity of family firms, to see if women in governance positions have a positive effect on it. In order to clarify these effects, we have divided such positions in three different roles: ownership, boards of directors and the executive management. Data were collected from System for Analysis of Iberian Balances database (SABI) and the Spanish High Council of Chamber (SHCC) website to build a sample of Small and Medium Sized Spanish firms with some exporting activity between years 2000 and 2011. Our results suggest that female executive managers are less risk-averse and more growth-oriented than female owners and directors. Also, family firms show a worse export activity behaviour related to the number of countries and to the exported volumes than family firms. Since family SMEs play an vital role in both, the national and international economies, this study draws attention to the importance of the presence of women in government bodies in search of other markets, as internationalization is a key strategic decision for them.

Keywords: Gender, SME’s Corporate Governance, Exporting Activity

How to cite this paper: Giraldez, P., & Berenguer Cárceles, E. (2016). Exporting family firms in Spain: The role of women. Corporate Ownership & Control, 13(4-2), 362-380. https://doi.org/10.22495/cocv13i4c2p8