Hemma hos firmafamiljen

Abstract

The Bonnier family business history shows how the women have had substantial influence over the business; nonetheless, this has been from a subordinateposition in relation to the men. Over the first four generations, wives had access to arenas where business was discussed and through their conversations with authors, managers and boards of directors, they indirectly influenced the management of the business. Over time, the division of power has changed both between the genders and between women. Historically, wives and especially mothers have been more influential than daughters.But since daughters now inherit shares in the company (as opposed to financial assets only) they have become owners and as such more influential than wives. However, despite being more influential now than ever before, daughters are still subordinate to sons o f the family: there are more sons than daughters on management positions and as chairmen. In conclusion I discuss the consequences of integrating the private and public in analysis. I argue that organisational research must include arenas such as the home into the study of power in corporations, otherwise we will not fully understand managerial leadership. By focusing on the home, the managerial influence of agents such as wives, mothers and daughters is made visible.