Abstract:
As a nation that values family, it is not surprising that the Philippines is dominated by
family owned-businesses. This shows that family firms have big contributions to the economy
and the labor trade of the country. Family owned-businesses can also be a great venue for
women who aspire to be great leaders. Because of all these, there is a need to understand the
experiences of female family members who inherit or will inherit the business. For this research,
the well-known Three Circle Model of family business, and two theories, the Social Identity
Theory and the Role Congruity Theory where used to guide the study. This study exploring and
focusing on the formational and lived experiences of five Filipina business heiresses of different
family-owned firms in the Philippines followed the qualitative structure of research based on the
phenomenological approach. In-depth, semi-structured face-to-face interviews had been
conducted by the researcher in order to acquire the needed data. The researcher was able to
look into the gathered responses and categorized the information to address the main research
question, "What does it mean to be the heiress of the family-owned business?" The findings of
the study showed that the formation and being of a business heiress are influenced and affected
by the succession process, gender, and their relationship with certain groups. Factors such as
the criteria used in choosing the rightful successor, and the preparations they go through control
the succession process. Gender determines the skills and characteristics of the business
heiresses, as well as the difficulties and opportunities they face. Lastly, the attitude and
behavior of business heiresses toward their family and employees are affected by the family
and employees’ support and reaction in relation to their appointment.
