The Role of Social Initiatives in the Financial Success of Family Businesses

ABSTRACT Sustainability and business success require ongoing analysis of variables that can impact the stability, efficiency, and evolution of family businesses. To this end, a study based on the environmental, social, and governmental (ESG) variables linked to financial performance was conducted on 93 publicly traded family businesses in the global retail and consumer markets sector in 2023, utilizing data from Thomson Reuters Eikon. Control variables, such as company size, number of employees, and indebtedness, were incorporated. The methodology employed involved a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) using SmartPLS. This analysis underscores the importance of social initiatives in enhancing financial outcomes for family businesses in the retail and consumer markets sector above the rest of the selected key variables. The originality of this research lies in its distinctive focus on the social dimension as the primary factor influencing the financial outcomes of family businesses. By highlighting the importance of social initiatives, the study provides an empirical basis that enables academics and business leaders to consider key variables in business development. This facilitates the design of strategies centered on these elements, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the management of family businesses and their long‐term sustainability.