The Heterogeneity of Family Firms in CSR Engagement: The Role of Values

Abstract

This study addresses the heterogeneity of family firms in their engagement with corporate social responsibility (CSR). We build on stewardship theory and socioemotional wealth to explore the foundations of CSR in family firms and to examine whether the extent of engagement is based on values, and how and why this happens. We use the interpretative method of grounded theory to address these questions. Based on 12 case studies of Spanish family firms, this article illustrates the patterns of influence of family involvement and values in explaining the extent and scope of CSR

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: (a) Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation ECO2010- 21242-C03-02 Research Funding (Pilar Marques); (b) Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation Research aid program for the Formation of University Researchers (FPU) (Alexandra Simon); (c) Autonomous Government of Catalonia 2009 SGR 577 Research Funding (Pilar Marques, Alexandra Simon)