Paper short abstract:

Based on the data analysis, this paper will attempt to make a comparative study on the examination of how women are regarded in the succession process of family business in China and Japan.

Paper long abstract:

Differences in ethnic background may influence in the expectations of family business members in a succession process. Many studies have suggested that there are differences in the basic philosophy and underlying assumptions of the family members of different ethnic backgrounds with regards to the way succession is handled. While succession in Japan is usually viewed as foundation for the professionalism of the children and not a priority, in China, on the other hand, succession is viewed as a family legacy and a top priority.

The view of "preference of men to women" in Chinese culture plays a transforming role on social business model. Family enterprises usually carried out the "sons inherit fathers' property" mode. Succession was reserved for the first born son, and then it moved on to any male heir. In traditional Japanese society, women also have been denied a visibly prominent role in the family business.

In recent years the amount of women who are taking over their family firms in China and Japan has become one of the largest trends in family business. While women positively have taken part in the business, they also have faced a series of predicament and conflicts because of their sex characteristic and multiple roles. A comparative examination concerning this situation will be done through the data analysis of two questionnaires done in China and Japan.