Gender exclusion in succession on family business: a deeper look

Purpose This study aims to discern and examine the primary themes associated with gender and succession within family business by using bibliometric methodologies, including coauthorship analysis and co-word analysis. These techniques are used to pinpoint the predominant subject matters within this domain. Design/methodology/approach A data set of 74 articles published between 2000 and 2021 was gathered from the Web of Science database. These articles were selected based on bibliographical records following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. Subsequently, VOSviewer was employed to conduct a landscape analysis of the research pertaining to gender and succession in family businesses. Findings The analysis unveiled several noteworthy findings. Campopiano and McAdam emerged as notable contributors in this field, while Bertoni and Cavicchioli received the highest number of citations. The USA and Italy were identified as primary hubs of research activity, with significant contributions also stemming from other European nations. However, research originating from the Asian region appeared relatively sparse. Co-citation analysis underscored the influential works of Bennedsen et al. (2007) and Vera and Dean (2005) within this domain. In addition, the Family Business Review emerged as the most cited journal source for gender and succession research within family businesses. Research limitations/implications The data used in this study were only obtained from the Web of Science database collection, which may not include all of the available literature on this research topic. Future research should consider augmenting this data set with additional credible international databases to gain a more comprehensive understanding of gender and succession discourses in family businesses and their dynamics. Practical implications The outcomes of this research provide actionable insights for practitioners and leaders in family businesses. Recognizing the nuances of gender dynamics in succession is essential for making informed decisions about successor selection and developing effective strategies. The insights derived from this study can assist managers and founders in addressing succession challenges more effectively and optimizing succession processes within their family enterprises. Understanding these dynamics can contribute to more inclusive and successful succession outcomes. Social implications From a societal perspective, this research contributes to broader dialogues concerning gender equality and the dynamics of family businesses. By illuminating gender-related issues within succession processes, this study underscores the critical need to address gender biases and promote inclusivity within family enterprises. These efforts are pivotal in fostering more equitable and sustainable business practices. Originality/value These insights provide valuable perspectives on the contemporary research landscape concerning gender and succession within family enterprises, highlighting influential scholars and regional patterns. This study offers guidance for future research endeavors, particularly in addressing gaps in underrepresented regions and advancing the comprehension of gender dynamics in family business succession. The practical significance of this research extends to managers and founders of family businesses, aiding in the selection of future successors. Furthermore, it contributes to scholars by enhancing the understanding of succession strategies, processes and dynamics, especially those pertaining to gender considerations.