ABSTRACT
In business, the male as ‘head-of-the-family’ is traditionally presented as the heroic, family business entrepreneur. This leaves the wife, and mother, of the entrepreneur with an identity crisis. Yet, women have traditionally played a strong leadership and governance role in both the family and in business. Whilst the role of the ‘Matriarch’ is becoming increasingly accepted, little attention is given to the neglected role of the ‘Dowager’ within the politics and power of family business settings. This discussion in presenting and analysing two case stories and scenarios begins to address this neglected issue by exploring this stereotype in real life.
