AMOR

Article Details

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): February

A Comparative Study of Women’s Leadership in Family Businesses: Insights from Indonesia and Thailand

https://doi.org/10.35912/amor.v7i3.3308
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study compares women’s leadership in family businesses in Indonesia and Thailand, focusing on succession dynamics, board diversity, cultural norms, and institutional support. This study aims to understand how cultural and institutional contexts shape women’s opportunities to assume leadership roles in family enterprises.

Research Methodology: A qualitative comparative analysis was conducted using secondary data from Scopus- and SINTA-indexed journals, regional surveys, and institutional reports. The analysis applied a thematic framework informed by role congruity theory, resource-based view, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and institutional theory, with data triangulation ensuring credibility.

Results: Indonesian family firms are strongly influenced by patriarchal norms, informal succession, and weak institutional support, which limits women’s leadership. In Thailand, succession is more formalized, institutional support is stronger, and women’s visibility in governance is greater. However, in both countries, women’s representation does not always ensure their authority.

Conclusions: This study concludes that women’s leadership is shaped less by capability than by governance practices and institutional frameworks. Thailand provides a more enabling context, whereas Indonesia reflects stronger cultural resistance.

Limitations: This study is limited by its reliance on secondary data and its focus on only two countries.

Contributions: This research enriches management, gender studies, and entrepreneurship by offering Southeast Asian comparative insights and practical implications for policymakers and family-business leaders.

Keywords

Comparative Analysis Family Business Succession Dynamics Southeast Asia Women’s Leadership

How to Cite

Gumay, N. F., & Rozanna, M. (2026). A Comparative Study of Women’s Leadership in Family Businesses: Insights from Indonesia and Thailand. Annals of Management and Organization Research, 7(3), 437–450. https://doi.org/10.35912/amor.v7i3.3308

Download Citation

Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

References

  1. Anggadwita, G., Profityo, W. B., Alamanda, D. T., & Permatasari, A. (2020). Cultural Values and their Implications to Family Business Succession: A Case Study of Small Chinese-Owned Family Businesses in Bandung, Indonesia. Journal of Family Business Management, 10(4), 281-292. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-03-2019-0017
  2. Barney, J., Wright, M., & Ketchen Jr, D. J. (2001). The Resource-Based View of the Firm: Ten Years After 1991. Journal of Management, 27(6), 625-641. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/014920630102700601
  3. Chou, S. Y., Chang, T., & Han, B. (2016). A Buddhist Application of Corporate Social Responsibility: Qualitative Evidence from a Case Study of a Small Thai Family Business. Small Enterprise Research, 23(2), 116-134. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13215906.2016.1221359
  4. Deloitte. (2024). Deloitte Global’s Latest Women in the Boardroom Report Reveals Some Progress Toward Gender Parity But Accelerated Momentum is Required; Steady Progress Reported in Southeast Asia. Retrieved from https://www.deloitte.com/southeast-asia/en/about/press-room/women-in-the-boardroom-report.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  5. Eagly, A. H., & Karau, S. J. (2002). Role Congruity Theory of Prejudice Toward Female Leaders. Psychological review, 109(3), 573-598. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295x.109.3.573
  6. Efferin, S., & Hartono, M. S. (2015). Management Control and Leadership Styles in Family Business: An Indonesian Case Study. Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, 11(1), 130-159. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-08-2012-0074
  7. Ermawati, N., & Dianawati, W. (2024). The Impact of Family Ownership on the Relationship between the Existence of the Women Board of Commissioners and Firm Performance. Intangible Capital, 20(1), 152-169. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3926/ic.2416
  8. Fendiani, A., & Tandiono, R. (2016). Family Business and Managerial Ownership: The Effect on the Degree of Accounting Conservatism Practised in Indonesian-Listed Firms. Pertanika Journal of Sociacl Sciences & Huanities, 24, 109-118.
  9. Games, D., & Sari, D. K. (2023). Role of Female Successors in Family Business Innovation: Some Insights From the Largest Matrilineal Muslim Society. Sage Open, 13(4), 1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231210501
  10. Harymawan, I., & Nismara, K. (2022). Board Gender Diversity and Corporate Innovation: Evidence from Indonesian Family Firms. JASF: Journal of Accounting and Strategic Finance, 5(1), 22-39. doi:https://doi.org/10.33005/jasf.v5i1.224
  11. Hertzman, E. (2020). What Does it Mean to be ‘Called Home’from Overseas? The Case of Hakka Chinese Indonesian Youth from West Kalimantan. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 46(16), 3526-3542. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2019.1592415
  12. HofstedeInsights. (2023). Country Comparison Tool. Retrieved from https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison-tool
  13. IFC. (2019). Board Gender Diversity in ASEAN. Retrieved from https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-reports/2019/board-gender-diversity-in-asean
  14. Istiatin, & Luhgiatno. (2017). Success Keys to Creating Third-Generation Achievement: A Case Study in Family Business in Indonesia. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(11), 803-810.
  15. Kilenthong, W. T., & Rueanthip, K. (2018). Entrepreneurship and Family Businesses in Thailand. Asian?Pacific Economic Literature, 32(1), 77-93. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/apel.12215
  16. Kittikornwattana, W., & Kiatpanont, R. (2024). Preparation in Family Business Succession for Female Heirs. Journal for Strategy and Enterprise Competitiveness, 3(8), 44-61.
  17. Koentjoro, S., & Gunawan, S. (2020). Managing Knowledge, Dynamic Capabilities, Innovative Performance, and Creating Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Family Companies: A Case Study of a Family Company in Indonesia. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 6(3), 1-21. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc6030090
  18. Luechapattanaporn, T., & Wongsurawat, W. (2021). Cultural Factors in Chinese Family Business Performance in Thailand. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, 25(2), 1-15.
  19. Marpaung, A. P., Koto, M., Shareza Hafiz, M., & Hamdani, R. (2022). Female Directors and Firm Performance: Evidence of Family Firm in Indonesia. Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting, 22(1), 19-30. doi:https://doi.org/10.9734/ajeba/2022/v22i130538
  20. Natalia, I., & Isnalita. (2024). Do Females on Boards Enhance Firm Performance? Evidence from Indonesia Manufacturing Firm. Contaduria y Administracion, 69(1), 213-246. doi:https://doi.org/10.22201/fca.24488410e.2024.4983
  21. OJK. (2024). The Significance of Financial Literacy for Women for Household and National Economy. Retrieved from https://ojk.go.id/en/berita-dan-kegiatan/siaran-pers/Pages/OJK-Conducts-BUNDAKU-Financial-Education.aspx
  22. Pekerti, A. A. (2008). The Interdependent Family-Centric Career: Career Perspective of the Overseas Chinese in Indonesia. The Career Development Quarterly, 56(4), 362-377. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2008.tb00101.x
  23. Purba, T., Sitorus, D. H., & Ompusunggu, H. (2025). Optimizing Women's Entrepreneurship to Enhance Family Domestic Income: A Case Study of Female Entrepreneurs in Batam, Indonesia. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 14(1), 1-18. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-025-00489-6
  24. PwC. (2019). Empowering the NextGen: The Key to Achieving Growth and Enduring Prosperity. Thailand Family Business Survey. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/th/en/services/EPB/thailand-Family-Business-survey-2019.html
  25. PwC. (2023). Thai family businesses can’t afford to lose trust if they want to secure their legacy. PwC’s 11th Global Family Business Survey: Thailand Report. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/th/en/services/EPB/family-business-survey-2023-en.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  26. Rademakers, M. F. (1998). Market Organization in Indonesia: Javanese and Chinese Family Business in the Jamu Industry. Organization Studies, 19(6), 1005-1027. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/017084069801900605
  27. Ramadani, V., Hisrich, R. D., Anggadwita, G., & Alamanda, D. T. (2017). Gender and Succession Planning: Opportunities for Females to Lead Indonesian Family Businesses. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 9(3), 229-251. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-02-2017-0012
  28. Rodsutti, M. C., & Makayathorn, P. (2005). Organizational Diagnostic Factors in Family Business: Case Studies in Thailand. Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, 19(2), 16-18. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280510580690
  29. Rosen, V., Luddin, M. R., & Supriyati, Y. (2019). Succession Management Success at PT Bakrie Brothers Tbk. Global Business and Organizational Excellence, 38(5), 18-26. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/joe.21947
  30. Scott, W. R. (2008). Approaching Adulthood: The Maturing of Institutional Theory. Theory and Society, 37(5), 427-442. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11186-008-9067-z
  31. Sharma, R. S., Ratri, M. I., & Krishnamachari, A. (2012). Exploiting Relational Capital in Family Businesses Through Corporate Social Responsibility. 2012 IEEE International Conference on Management of Innovation & Technology (ICMIT), 761-765. doi:https://doi.org/10.1109/ICMIT.2012.6225902
  32. Srisathan, W. A., Ketkaew, C., Jitjak, W., Ngiwphrom, S., & Naruetharadhol, P. (2022). Open Innovation as a Strategy for Collaboration-Based Business Model Innovation: The Moderating Effect among Multigenerational Entrepreneurs. Plos One, 17(6), 1-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265025
  33. Sukamdani, N. (2023). Family Business Dynamics in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Study of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Journal of ASEAN Studies, 11(1), 197-218. doi:https://doi.org/10.21512/jas.v11i1.9518
  34. Tan, J. D., Supratikno, H., Pramono, R., Purba, J. T., & Bernarto, I. (2019). Nurturing Transgenerational Entrepreneurship in Ethnic Chinese Family SMEs: Exploring Indonesia. Journal of Asia Business Studies, 13(2), 294-325. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-04-2018-0132
  35. Tan, W. L., & Fock, S. T. (2001). Coping with Growth Transitions: The Case of Chinese Family Businesses in Singapore. Family Business Review, 14(2), 123-139. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6248.2001.00123.x
  36. Tirdasari, N. L., & Dhewanto, W. (2020). Critical Success Factors in Business Succession: The Indonesian Family Business. Proceedings of the First ASEAN Business, Environment, and Technology Symposium (ABEATS 2019), 141, 74-78. doi:https://doi.org/10.2991/aebmr.k.200514.017
  37. Tjahjana, D., Dwidienawati, D., Rohayati, T., Kenziro, K., Wijaya, F., Nathania, S., & Gandasari, D. (2024). The Role of Family Responsibility, Assertiveness, and Networking in Building Female Leadership Aspirations. Sustainability, 16(12), 1-16. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125194
  38. Tonoyan, V., & Boudreaux, C. J. (2023). Gender Diversity in Firm Ownership: Direct and Indirect Effects on Firm-Level Innovation Across 29 Emerging Economies. Research Policy, 52(4), 1-35. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2022.104716
  39. UNCTAD. (2023). Trade and Entrepreneurship in Indonesia from a Gender and Development Perspective. Retrieved from https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ditc2023d3_en.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  40. UNDP. (2023). Thai Women’s Unpaid Care and Domestic Work and the Impact on Decent Employment. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/thailand/publications/thai-womens-unpaid-care-and-domestic-work-and-impact-decent-employment
  41. WorldBank. (2024). Women, Business and the Law 2024. Washington: World Bank.
  42. Yabushita, N. W., & Suehiro, A. (2014). Family Business Groups in Thailand: Coping with Management Critical Points. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 31(4), 997-1018. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-014-9388-6
  43. Yantono, M., & Ardianti, R. (2024). Female Successors and Family Business Resilience; Multiple Case Studies on Family-Owned Retail Businesses. International Journal of Family Business Practices, 7(1), 10-24. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.33021/ijfbp.v7i1.5321

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Authors

1 . Nanda Fathiyah Gumay
STIE Krakatau, Pringsewu, Lampung, Indonesia
2 . Mira Rozanna
STIE Krakatau, Pringsewu, Lampung, Indonesia

Downloads

View PDF

Statistics

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): February
Section: Articles
Contact Us
WhatsApp Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email