The effect of religiosity, spirituality and family power influence on family business sustainable values

Abstract

Family businesses are distinct from non-family businesses due to the families’ involvement in managing and influencing the business. The influence can take several forms. This study examines if religiosity, spirituality and power influence of the owning family business affect the family businesses’ corporate social responsibility towards their customers, employees, shareholders and societies. The study hypothesises positive effects of religious belief, religious practice, spirituality and power influences on family business corporate social responsibility. Data was collected among 251 family members from 84 small to medium-sized family businesses in the North Island of New Zealand. The relationships were significant for spirituality and religious practice (negative effect). Ultimately, discussion and practical implications are discussed.