Generational differences in involvement of family members in governance and management of turkish family business groups and background characteristics of family members

Abstract

The paper explores the involvement of family members from different generations at various levels and functions of Turkish family business groups as well as their educational background and international experience. The sample is composed of 57 family members who are involved in eight prominent family business groups in 2008. The results show that a higher percentage of the old generation family members hold directorship positions at the holding board and at listed affiliates while a higher percentage of the young generation family members have executive positions at the affiliates. With their pervasive involvement at both holding company and affiliate levels in boards and executive positions, owner families seem to both rule and manage the family business groups. The results also show that in both the older and the younger FBGs, the younger generation family members have significantly higher levels of education and international experience.