| Title |
Stability through purpose: integrated reward mixes in family-owned benefit corporations |
| Authors |
Bongiovanni, Noemi ; Battisti, Enrico ; Laus, Vittorio ; Magrizos, Solon |
| DOI |
10.1002/jsc.70108 |
| Full Text |
|
| Is Part of |
Strategic change.. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.. 2026, Early Access, p. [1-13].. ISSN 1086-1718. eISSN 1099-1697 |
| Keywords [eng] |
benefit corporations ; employment stability ; family firms ; hybrid organizational models ; integrated reward systems ; organizational performance |
| Abstract [eng] |
In an environment characterized by increasing volatility and uncertainty, organizations face the challenge of balancing adaptability and stability to ensure long-term viability. While flexibility has become essential to respond to external shocks, stability has emerged as a critical organizational resource for fostering trust, legitimacy, and resilience. This study investigates whether Family Benefit Corporations (Family BCs) represent a distinctive organizational model capable of reconciling these tensions through the adoption of integrated reward mixes. Focusing on the Italian context—where family firms are widespread, and the Benefit Corporation (BC) legal framework is well-established—this research examines whether Benefit status is associated with higher employment stability and productivity. Using firm-level panel data covering the period 2022–2024, we analyze employment and productivity growth in a matched sample of Family BCs and non-BCs. Our results indicate that Family BCs exhibit higher employment and wage growth than comparable Family non-BCs. These findings suggest that the formal institutionalization of a dual-purpose orientation reinforces coherent employee-oriented practices, contributing to more stable and resilient organizational outcomes. By integrating research on family firms, BCs, and reward systems, this study advances the literature on hybrid organizational models. It highlights the strategic role of integrated reward mixes in supporting employment stability and performance under uncertainty. From a practical perspective, integrated reward systems represent a key factor for aligning human resource policies with long-term organizational viability. |
| Published |
John Wiley & Sons Ltd |
| Type |
Journal article |
| Language |
English |
| Publication date |
2026 |
| CC license |
|
