Why do they do that? Motives and dimensions of Family Firms’ CSR engagement

Purpose – This paper explores the role of Socioemotional Wealth (SEW) in family firms’ CSR engagement and practices. We draw on the notion of ‘socioemotional endowment’ [Gomez-Mejia et al., 2010], to interpret how the different dimensions of the FIBER model [Berrone et al., 2012] impact on the instrumental, moral or relational motives that push companies toward CSR. Design/methodology/approach – We develop an integrated framework that analyzes motives of CSR practices (distinguishing between moral, instrumental and relational ones) and dimensions of family firms’ SEW. Our idea is that it is not possible to analyze the CSR attitude of family firms (FFs) without distinguishing among the 5 dimensions of SEW (family control and influence; identification of family members with the firm; binding social ties; emotional attachment; and renewal of family bonds to the firm through dynastic succession). Findings – We posit that FFs are particularly likely to engage in instrumental, moral or relational CSR practices depending on the FIBER dimension they consider as the primary reference point to achieve the goal of preserving SEW. In particular, out of the five FIBER dimensions, relational and instrumental motives appear more present in firms’ priorities, when they deal with CSR activities. Originality/value – Most of the literature in CSR and FFs concentrates on the differences between family and non-family firms in approaching social responsible practices. Instead of debating whether FFs are more or less socially responsible than non-family organizations, we add to this literature by arguing that it is much more relevant to analyze which approach they (as an heterogeneous group) are more likely to adopt in relation to CSR. Secondly, we contribute to FFs studies on sustainability, by demonstrating that CSR engagement can be differently influenced and interpreted through the five dimensions of the FIBER model.