Title: Leadership as a family affair: case of Lebanon

Authors: Wafica Ghoul, Bernard Abou-Jaoude

Addresses: Lebanese International University (LIU), School of Business Administration, PO Box 146404 Mazraa, Beirut, Lebanon. ' USEK University, Jounieh, Lebanon

Abstract: This paper discusses the current spread of |political dynasties|, the tactics used to perpetuate them, and their impact on the business environment. Political dynasties are a form of |camouflaged royalty|; they dominate the political arena and usually have dire effects on people|s right to a fair representation, in addition to negatively impacting business formation through unfair competition. Leadership as a family affair is analysed by using several examples from the West and the Middle East, with a special focus on Lebanon. Recommendations are made for reducing the dominance of political dynasties.

Keywords: inherited leadership; political dynasties; nepotism; Lebanon; business environment; business formation; unfair competition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2010.035478

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2010 Vol.5 No.4, pp.451 - 474

Published online: 30 Sep 2010 *

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