Mapping Core Themes in Family Business, Gender and Sustainability: A Tanglegram Analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the nexus of gender equality, family business, and sustainability through a novel bibliometric analysis. It highlights the essential role that family businesses play in promoting inclusive growth and gender parity. The study examines how these businesses integrate gender equality principles into their operating models to promote sustainability, recognizing the potential of family businesses to implement sustainable strategies. We analyze thematic convergence within the academic literature using a comprehensive new bibliometric dataset and employing multiple correspondence analysis, hierarchical clustering methods, tanglegram, and network analysis. The study shows that despite possible biases, family firms are in a unique position to advocate for gender equality. Furthermore, we show that these companies play a central role in driving sustainable practices in the corporate landscape. Our findings provide a detailed conceptual map highlighting thematic clusters and insights into the complex relationships between the variables examined. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for policy and practice, emphasizing the transformative potential of family businesses in promoting a more gender-equitable and sustainable future in business.

Keywords: Family Business, Gender Equality, Sustainability, Bibliometric Analysis, Tanglegrams