Abstract
In business literature, gender is recorded as a critical factor affecting several processes and business-related aspects, including performance. This entry looks to provide the most relevant accumulated knowledge in relation to the role of gender specifically in the family business context. In doing so, it focuses on the role of gender-related contextual and personal factors, namely the role of primogeniture, gender stereotypes and gender differences in management styles. We address three issues: how gender and age determine transgenerational succession; how daughters are affected by gender norms and expectations; and whether, and the extent to which, differences in leadership styles serve as a hindrance for women during succession. © Jean Helms Mills, Albert J. Mills, Kristin S. Williams and Regine Bendl 2025.