Family firms, national culture and corporate social performance: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose Extant literature is ambiguous on the corporate social performance (CSP) of family firm. This paper aims to synthesize existing evidence of the relationship between family firm and corporate responsibility performance, and to examine the moderating effects of national culture. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a meta-analysis of the relationship between family firm and CSP, as well as the role of national culture on shaping this relationship. Findings The findings show evidence of greater CSP among family firms compared to nonfamily firms. The family firm–CSP relationship was moderated by cultural values such as ingroup collectivism, humane orientation and future orientation, and the moderating effects depended on cultural tightness. Originality/value The results help reconcile inconclusive prior findings, and elucidates family firms' corporate social responsibility in different cultures.