The role of women in family business: lights, shadows and future perspectives

The article discusses women’s role in the modern economy. The aim is to explore, through a literature review, the positive and negative aspects related to women's involvement in family business. The literature review is completed by the critical analysis of a case study of a European family firm, that is run by second and third generations, where women played in the past (first generation) and have also nowadays a significant role in firm management and governance. In this case study both drivers and obstacles to women’s involvement not only in the ownership, but also in governance and management can be identified, as well specific contributes of women to firm’s strategy, organization, managerialization and performance.