GENDER RESTRICTIVE CULTURE AND SUSTAINABILTY OF FAMILY FIRMS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

The study examined gender restrictive culture and sustainability of family firm in Anambra State. The main trust was to determine whether gender preference   have any negative influence of on the sustainability of family firms. The researcher purposivel, conveniently and randomly selected forty-four (44) family firms with a total of four hundred and fifty (450) employees as the  study population include family firms within Anambra state.Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size of  306. The research instrument used to elicit data for the study was structured questionnaire which was administered to respondents. Data were obtained from 280 respondents using a cross-sectional survey of descriptive research design. Data from the questionnaire were analysed and tested using Z-score to determine the influence gender preference on the long- term survival of family firms. The study found out that gender preference  has significant influence on the long-term survival of  family firm. The study therefore conclude that the gender restrictive culture of inheritance has a considerable influence on the  sustainability of family firms. This culture does not provide an acceptable mechanism for the transmission of ownership from one generation to the next.  Researcher therefore recommends that in order to limit the likelihood of conflict between potential heir or co-heirs, and family firm owners of the business must abandon its traditional systems, which are incompatible with succession. These traditional systems include the gender restrictive culture as well as the entirety of beliefs, knowledge, and practises. This can be achieved through intensive and extensive public awareness campaign. While business competence, capacity and interest should be the key determinant in choosing a successor rather than cultural stereotype of the girl-child. This will determine the long-term survival of the family firm.