Objective:

to implement a gender approach to the study of relationships taking place in Ecuadoran family-owned businesses, which is essential to understand the influence of domination patterns, particularly in working relationships, including class and racism-mediated relationships. Although gender approach is the concern of many, no palpable improvements have been made in this area through scientific research.

Methods:

Methodological-qualitative method (case study), using abductive logic, under exploratory and descriptive research. Eight cases from the great Ecuadoran family-owned businesses, representing seven sectors of the economy, were studied. The data collection technique used was semi-structured interviews and analysis of secondary information.

Results:

The outcome of this research provides understanding on the origin of motivations and commitments by successors, their training to run businesses, and their links to former leaders, as a way to acquire unwritten knowledge based on confidence seen in the successor’s business expertise.

Conclusions:

The effects of gender on succession planning were presented. It shows the quality of the relation between the former and the new executives, which affects transfer of knowledge and other aspects.

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