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The Role of Missionary and Darwinian Founder Identities for Family Firm Philanthropy

Melanie Richards & Nadine Kammerlander

Family Business Review2026https://doi.org/10.1177/08944865251407725article
AJG 3ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

This study applies an identity theory lens to explore how the founder’s identity affects family firm philanthropy in later stages of the business. Our study’s insights derive from a philanthropy survey of key decision makers in international family firms. Our study finds that a Missionary founder identity increases the philanthropic engagement of family firms and that this effect is strengthened over family generations. Somewhat surprisingly, a Darwinian founder identity also increases philanthropy. This effect is likely to be weakened if family owners pursue transgenerational control intentions. Our research contributes to the literature on founder identities, philanthropy, and family firms.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/08944865251407725

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@article{melanie2026,
  title        = {{The Role of Missionary and Darwinian Founder Identities for Family Firm Philanthropy}},
  author       = {Melanie Richards & Nadine Kammerlander},
  journal      = {Family Business Review},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/08944865251407725},
}

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The Role of Missionary and Darwinian Founder Identities for Family Firm Philanthropy

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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