Family Business Contributions to the Community: A Comparison of Copreneurs and Other Family Business Owners on Community Social Responsibility

Abstract

Copreneurs, defined as couples who jointly operate a business and share business-related responsibilities and decisions, represent a growing portion of family business (Fitzgerald & Muske; 2002; Marshack, 1993, 1994). However, knowledge of copreneurs remains limited in the research literature. The uniqueness of copreneurs may be particularly meaningful with respect to community social responsibility, referring to the contributions a business provides to the community beyond the products and services offered (Besser, 1999). This study explores the potential differences between the socially responsible behaviors of copreneurial and noncopreneurial businesses using the Sustainable Family Business Theory as a framework. Analysis focuses on the influence of business owner, business, community, and family characteristics on the community social responsibility of copreneurs and noncopreneurs. Data from the 2000 panel of the National Family Business Survey (NFBS) was used. Findings indicate that certain characteristics and contexts influence community social responsibility, although copreneurship is not a significant predictor.