Mary Barrett and Ken Moores breathe new life into research on one of the largest and yet frequently overlooked business sectors. They analyse thirteen international cases of women in family business to discover how women attained leadership or, sometimes, failed to do so.By examining in detail how women have reached the top in the traditionally conservative environment of family business, the book avoids essentialist assumptions about women as leaders. It illuminates classic issues of entrepreneurship in a family business context, particularly the dual imperatives of innovation and business continuity. Women in Family Business Leadership Roles presents contemporary research that looks at the patterns of success and failure, and understand whether this is the result of gender or other factors.

This invigorating book will be an important resource in helping women and their families understand the dynamics of their family business. The authors' passion for the subject will enhance understanding of family firms as well as the changing position of women in family enterprises. Family business owners and managers, as well as students and academics on entrepreneurship, family business and management courses will warmly welcome the book.