Is virtue its own reward? : Exploring philanthropic family foundations & the two faces of altruism

Located at the nexus of family business and philanthropy research, this study explores thedynamics and influences that combine to shape giving within Philanthropic FamilyFoundations (PFFs). These under-researched organisations represent one structured vesselthrough which successful family enterprises can contribute to society beyond the commercialobjectives of wealth creation and economic development. Recognising the distinctiveness oftheir familial roots and commercial genesis, this study argues that PFFs can provide furtherinsights into the relationship between the accumulation and redistribution of privately-heldwealth. It therefore seeks to provide greater clarity to extant understanding of family businessphilanthropy by exploring issues pertaining to the extent to which ‘family’ influencescontemporary PFF grant-making; succession and intergenerational transfer;conceptualisations of successful philanthropy; and the motivations underpinning thedivestment of privately-held familial wealth.Consistent with the exploratory nature of the study, a qualitative approach underpinned bymultiple case studies is used to provide nascent insights into contemporary PFF giving. Indepth, semi-structured interviews with key decision-makers within UK-based PFFs wereundertaken. Additionally, secondary data (including, for example: trust deeds, archivaldocuments, internal publications, and press releases) was used to support the development of14 case studies of UK-based PFFs. This followed an inductive approach, with analysisconducted within and across cases. Subsequently, findings from an extensive cross-caseanalysis into the dynamics and influences of contemporary PFF grant-making are discussedwithin this thesis.Accordingly, this study identifies a number of factors that combine to shape contemporaryPFF giving, with the influence of ‘family’ and the distinctiveness of this mode ofphilanthropy emerging in a number of interesting ways. In doing so, it contributes to extantunderstanding of family enterprise philanthropy, conceptualising PFFs as familialorganisations unburdened by the long-term orientation typical of their family businesscounterparts, resulting in a form of philanthropy that eschews some expected organisationalreturns in favour of involvement, engagement, learning, and ultimately, emotionalalternatives.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral-pg

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Strathclyde

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Gannon, Martin J.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Shaw, Eleanor
• MacKenzie, Niall

DOI

10.48730/5k52-je96

Identifier

T15752

Author Identifier

201276948

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:strathclyde:8336h200m