Abstract

This paper explores the approaches of identity construction used by Chinese daughters while negotiating the successor-leader role within family businesses. A qualitative interpretivist approach was adopted to understand daughters’ views on gender, family business leadership and succession, as well as the approaches adopted to negotiate the role of female successor/leader in the Chinese family business. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with both actual and potential female successors. Three approaches of identity construction emerged based on the degree of conformity to traditional gender roles and Confucian family values. First - to abide by conventional gender expectations and perceive themselves as a temporary leader. Second - to act as the “second leader” and remain involved in decision-making. Third - to challenge conventional gender roles and strive to be an independent leader. This paper contributes to debates on women in family business and daughters’ gendered identity construction in family business in the Chinese context.