The enigmatic association of photosynthetically active chloroplasts from algae and some sacoglossan sea slugs, called functional kleptoplasty, is a functional unique system of photosymbioses observed in metazoans. Besides the specific adaptations of the slugs necessary to incorporate and maintain the plastids, the organelles need to ensure optimal photosynthesis. Photoprotective mechanisms in the plastids, namely the xanthophyll cycle (XC) and the high-energy dependent quenching (q E ) part of the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), and the repair of the D1 protein of Photosystem II (PSII) are considered crucial for kleptoplast longevity in the slugs. Here, we studied the sea slugs Elysia viridis fed with the naturally occurring XC and q E -deficient Bryopsis hypnoides, and E. timida fed on Acetabularia acetabulum, an alga that possesses both mechanisms. The aim of the study was to understand (i) whether q E remains active after ingestion of kleptoplasts by E. timida, (ii) how different light intensities affect the photosynthetic activity of kleptoplasts with and without photoprotection mechanisms, and (iii) if the kleptoplasts are able to repair photodamaged D1 protein. With regard to NPQ, freshly incorporated kleptoplasts responded to different light stress in the same manner as the chloroplasts in their native host algae. Even after 3 weeks of incorporation the q E part of NPQ was present in the kleptoplasts of E. timida. However, the presence of the q E component of NPQ did not prevent the kleptoplasts from significant PSII photoinactivation under high light intensities. This is probably due to the fact that the kleptoplasts have a reduced PSII repair capacity, despite plastid encoded repair mechanisms in every sacoglossan food source. Hence, photoprotective mechanisms are probably not a key factor explaining kleptoplast longevity in Sacoglossa sea slugs.

Being open to absorb external knowledge is a key competitive advantage for small- and medium-sized family firms. In this study, we propose and test a model in which corporate social responsibility is the key feature linking family-specific resources (i.e., familiness) to the family firm’s ability to absorb external knowledge. By integrating different theoretical perspectives, we argue that family firms use corporate social responsibility activities as signals to build trust and long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, incentivizing these groups to share their knowledge with the family firm. The empirical analysis is based on data from 327 German small- and medium-sized family firms. The results of the analyses support our main hypotheses that the relationship between familiness and absorptive capacity is positively mediated by employee- and customer-oriented corporate social responsibility activities. Although hypothesized, we find no mediation effect of community-oriented corporate social responsibility activities. In sum, the study contributes to the understanding of how and why family firms employ their family-specific resources to establish corporate social responsibility activities, which, in turn, are used as a strategic instrument to strengthen their dynamic capabilities.

This systematic literature review contributes to the increasing interest regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) in family firms—a research field that has developed considerably in the last few years. It now provides the opportunity to take a holistic view on the relationship dynamics—i.e., drivers, activities, outcomes, and contextual influences—of family firms with CSR, thus enabling a more coherent organization of current research and a sounder understanding of the phenomenon. To conceptualize the research field, we analyzed 122 peer-reviewed articles published in highly ranked journals identifying the main issues examined. The results clearly show a lack of research regarding CSR outcomes in family firms. Although considered increasingly crucial in family firm research, a study investigating family outcomes (e.g., family community status, family emotional well-being), as opposed to firm outcomes, is missing. This literature review outlines the current state of research and contributes to the actual debate on CSR in family firms by discussing how family firms can use CSR activities as strategic management tools. Moreover, our analysis shows a black box indicating how CSR links different antecedents and outcomes. The black box is significant since firms generally need to know where to allocate their scarce resources to generate the best outcomes. We identify nine research questions based on these findings, which we hope will inspire future research.

Mittels des sinnvollen Einsatzes von Strukturtarifverträgen lässt sich der wachsende Konflikt aus modernen Unternehmensstrukturen und der betrieblichen Mitbestimmung vielfach lösen. Essenziell dafür ist, dass bei der Betriebsratsbildung stets den betriebsverfassungsrechtlich relevanten Besonderheiten der modernen Organisationen Rechnung getragen wird. Diese Analyse der Optionen aus § 3 BetrVG in Bezug auf die modernen Unternehmensstrukturen zeigt dazu eine Vielzahl praxisrelevanter Maßnahmen für die jeweiligen Organisationsformen auf. Die Analyse zeigt aber auch, dass eine deutliche Reformierung des § 3 BetrVG zu fordern bleibt und wie diese auszusehen hat, damit die Norm für sämtliche moderne Strukturen ausreichend und zukunftsfähig ist.

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