Article: The impact of applying corporate governance principles on enhancing the strategic operational performance of family businesses in Saudi Arabia: a field study Journal: International Journal of Business Excellence (IJBEX) 2026 Vol.38 No.5 pp.1 - 28 Abstract: This study investigates the impact of implementing corporate governance principles on enhancing the strategic operational performance of family businesses in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 384 firms was drawn from the 278,680 registered family enterprises across the Kingdom. Employing a descriptive survey design and a structured questionnaire, data were analysed using AMOS 24. The findings indicate a statistically significant positive effect (p < 0.05) of governance practices on competitive, operational, and financial performance dimensions. The study underscores the importance of establishing qualified boards of directors that include both family and non-family members, as well as encouraging regular stakeholder meetings within family businesses. It also recommends future research exploring the governance-performance relationship through alternative variables to deepen understanding in this domain. These insights aim to foster sustainable growth and strategic competitiveness for family enterprises in emerging markets (EMs), particularly within the Saudi context. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: The impact of applying corporate governance principles on enhancing the strategic operational performance of family businesses in Saudi Arabia: a field study

Authors: Mohammed Atiah Alharbi

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, College of Business Administration, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of implementing corporate governance principles on enhancing the strategic operational performance of family businesses in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 384 firms was drawn from the 278,680 registered family enterprises across the Kingdom. Employing a descriptive survey design and a structured questionnaire, data were analysed using AMOS 24. The findings indicate a statistically significant positive effect (p < 0.05) of governance practices on competitive, operational, and financial performance dimensions. The study underscores the importance of establishing qualified boards of directors that include both family and non-family members, as well as encouraging regular stakeholder meetings within family businesses. It also recommends future research exploring the governance-performance relationship through alternative variables to deepen understanding in this domain. These insights aim to foster sustainable growth and strategic competitiveness for family enterprises in emerging markets (EMs), particularly within the Saudi context.

Keywords: corporate governance; strategic operational performance; family businesses; Saudi Arabia; board of directors; emerging markets; EMs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2026.151281

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2026 Vol.38 No.5, pp.1 - 28

Received: 16 Jul 2025
Accepted: 06 Aug 2025
Published online: 20 Jan 2026 *

Title: The impact of applying corporate governance principles on enhancing the strategic operational performance of family businesses in Saudi Arabia: a field study

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