Family management of SMEs: an organisational culture perspective

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore in-depth the interface between family management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and specific dimensions of organisational culture in this kind of firm. In this way, the paper aims to understand how these two topics are interrelated and mutually dependent. To achieve this purpose, we used a qualitative and exploratory approach based on eight SMEs (cases) in Portugal, simultaneously considered as family businesses. The results showed that the management and organisational culture of family SMEs are greatly determined by the owner-manager. More precisely, we conclude that in the cultural behaviour found in the cases studied, despite the very particular characteristics of these family-structured firms, the six dimensions of organisational culture proposed by Hofstede are present, i.e., this business sector is ruled by unique values and characteristics. Some theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.