Namus: The Corporate Family Identity of the Arab Family Business

Authors

  • Georgios Palaiologos University of Witten Herdecke, Germany
  • Tobias Koellner University of Witten-Herdecke
  • Nehal El-Naggar Royal University for Women

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33021/ijfbp.v8i2.6295

Keywords:

Namus, Corporate Family Identity, Arab Family Businesses, Organizational Culture, Familial Identity, ‘Ird, Sharaf, Karamah, Sumea, Mojamala, Hamula, Nasab.

Abstract

The study explores the unique and intriguing cultural context of Arab Family Businesses (AFBs) and the formation of Corporate Family Identity (CFI) under the influence of Namus. This cultural concept embodies honor, reputation, and moral integrity.Our research employs an idiographic case study technique, focusing on two theoretically selected case studies to provide integrated and nuanced knowledge.  

It suggests that Namus guides corporate identity, honor, and emotional connaissance in Arab Family Businesses, with notable implications for theory and practice. Our research reveals that Arabian cultural concepts, such as ‘Ird, Sharaf, Karamah, Sumea, Mojamala, Hamula, and Nasab, play a substantial and appreciable role in shaping the corporate identity of business families.

It bridges the gap in the literature concerning the interplay between familial identity and corporate practice, as well as qualitative/mixed inquiries in the Arab context. 

Author Biographies

Georgios Palaiologos, University of Witten Herdecke, Germany

Researcher of Family Business in the “SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS EMBEDDING OF FAMILY BUSINESSES” program of the University Witten-Herdecke, Germany

Tobias Koellner, University of Witten-Herdecke

Faculty of Business and Society (Department of Management and Entrepreneurship)
WIFU Endowed Chair for Organization and Development of Entrepreneurial Families

Nehal El-Naggar, Royal University for Women

Assistant Professor, College of Business & Law

Acting Manager, Office of Students’ Life

Royal University for Women, Bahrain

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2026-02-12

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Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025)

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