In the last few decades, interest in family firms has increased. There are several analyses in relation to
leadership, ownership and succession-related topics, but they omit issues related to stakeholders and
corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study broadens empirical evidence in this respect. Using a
sample composed of internationally listed companies for the period 2003–2009, we analyse CSR
information disclosures in family businesses, as well as the fundamental role of the independence of the
board in this regard. Our results show that, in general, the higher the proportion of independent
directors, the higher the level of CSR information disclosures; but, in the concrete case of family firms, the
‘‘independence’’ of these directors disappeared, thereby reducing the positive association with
information disclosure; this was because independent directors may be strongly influenced by family
owners, and even by personal or familiar ties.