Small Family Firms Research Articles

The knowing–doing gap: Family SMEs and sustainability in Germany and Sweden

ABSTRACT The article compares family small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Germany and Sweden with a large family company in their work on corporate social responsibility and sustainability. This study aims to understand how and why (small) family firms work with sustainability. In total, 14 interviews were conducted with family firms in different industries. Large family companies are a benchmark, as they have worked with these questions since 2000. However, family SMEs also work with these issues. It is the family owner-managers who actively work with these questions. Accordingly, findings are of relevance for family firms and their managers, working with sustainability.

Does family power drive the size transition of entrepreneurial family firms? A study on the growth of Italian manufacturing firms

PurposeThis paper explores the drivers and inhibitors of the transition of entrepreneurial family firms from small to large firms. We adopt two contrasting theoretical perspectives, i.e. agency and stewardship, to explore the effects of family power on size transition.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted an original research design that leverages a unique longitudinal database built starting from the list of the 500 best Italian manufacturing family firms published by the AUB Monitor in 2018. Specifically, we tested our hypotheses using a comprehensive set of financial and governance data from 89 Italian manufacturing family firms covering a 10-year period. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a survival analysis using a Cox regression.FindingsWe find an inverted U-shaped relationship between family involvement in ownership and size transition: size transition is more likely to happen at intermediate levels of family involvement in ownership. Additionally, our analysis shows that family involvement in the board of directors negatively impacts size transition, while the presence of a family CEO has a positive influence.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first exploration of the phenomenon of size transition within entrepreneurial family firms. We believe it was worthwhile for two reasons. First, small size is frequently regarded as a weakness when competing in international markets, investing in R&D, or rewarding shareholders. Second, since small family firms are the major contributors to the world economy, understanding the factors that facilitate their transition to large firms can have a significant impact on overall economic development and prosperity.

The Dark Side of Family Embeddedness: Family Firms Engagement in Private-Sector Corruption

This research analyzes how family embeddedness affects the decision of owners in charge of small entrepreneurial family firms operating in an emerging country to participate in private-sector corruption. Prior research has typically assumed that those in charge of family firms choose to participate in corruption to receive an immediate economic benefit. We challenge this assumption and argue that family influences the decision of the owner of small entrepreneurial family firms to participate in private-sector corruption driven by the pursuit of both short-term economic (profit maximization) and long-term non-economic goals, including attaining upper social class status (even if this decreases economic gains) for the family unit. We further find that in the context of an emerging market, trusted intermediaries can be seen as family members by the owners in charge of small entrepreneurial family firms and can influence them to participate in illicit activities. We also contend that those in charge of small entrepreneurial family businesses manage participation in private-sector corruption by dissociating and framing means.

Harnessing the power of generations through participative strategy: a study on Malaysia Small Family Firms

Small family firms (SFFs) in Malaysia, exemplars of economic development, skillfully balance family legacy preservation with entrepreneurial spirit to navigate generational challenges. In a context marked by paternalism, conservatism, and collectivism, these firms exhibit diverse array of familial dynamics and firm performance (FP) outcome. This study, employing hierarchical regression analysis and interactive plot diagrams on a sample of 112 Malaysian SFFs, thoroughly investigated the impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and participative strategy (PS) on FP, with a special focus on the moderating role of generational involvement (GI). The findings reveal that GI positively affects both EO and FP, particularly when PS is integrated, effectively mitigating conflicts and paternalistic tendencies in multi-generational settings. The study underscores the importance of PS in leveraging intergenerational knowledge (i.e. familiness), converting innovative opportunities (i.e. EO) into significant performance enhancements. This insight is invaluable for SFFs in similar cultural contexts, advocating for the strategic use of PS and GI to optimize entrepreneurial success. The research contributes significantly to understanding the intricate interplay between EO, PS, and GI in SFFs, particularly in culturally distinct environments like Malaysia.

Heritage and Legacy in Small Family Firms in Latin America

Family businesses in Latin America often have deep roots and play a significant role in the region's economy. The heritage and legacy of small family businesses in Latin America can be understood through several key aspects. One is the historical context; many small family businesses in Latin America have a long history that spans several generations. Another is influenced by the region's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Cultural values, such as a strong sense of family, community, and tradition, can shape the decision-making processes within these businesses, as well as the adaptation to Economic Challenges. At the same time, Latin America has faced economic challenges and fluctuations over the years. Small Family businesses in the region have often demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating economic uncertainties. In this Special Issue about Heritage and Legacy in Small Family Firms in Latin America, we have assembled a compilation of articles by researchers who interact closely with business families throughout Latin America. Building on a collaborative research framework involving authors from several countries, this effort accounts for the increasing number of family business studies in Latin America. The authors explore diverse issues and processes within family businesses in the region.

Revealing the moderating impact of spatial context on the relationship between intellectual capital efficiency and the sustained success of family SMEs

This study investigates the behavioral patterns of Small and Medium-Sized Family Firms (SMFFs) in terms of translating intellectual capital efficiency into economic performance while considering their geographical location. The findings underscore the paramount importance of effective intellectual capital management in driving business performance, particularly for SMFFs, drawing upon the knowledge-based perspective. In line with behavioral theory, this study also provides empirical evidence demonstrating that SMFFs located in rural areas adeptly navigate locational challenges by effectively translating their Added Value Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) into sustainable performance, thereby outperforming their urban counterparts. This phenomenon, referred to as SMFF heterogeneity, can be attributed to their profound emotional connection and deep-rooted bonds with their local communities, intensifying their commitment to the regional milieu. Consequently, their success becomes intricately linked with the spatial context they inhabit. In this regard, this research offers significant practical and theoretical contributions to the understanding of SMFFs, shedding light on the interplay between intellectual capital, geographic location, and sustainable performance in the intricate landscape of family firms

Without friction, no shine: how dynamic managerial capabilities combine for family firms’ digital transformation

Research shows that digital transformation (DT) of small and medium-sized family firms is a major challenge, where family dynamics introduce idiosyncrasies in how managers sense, seize, and orchestrate DT. In this study, we focus on those dynamic managerial capabilities that are closely related to individual cognitive traits - sensing and seizing – to understand how they operate at the individual level and how they interact at the team level in such a transformation process. We draw on an in-depth case study of the digital transformation of a family business, the largest independent fashion retailer in the Netherlands. Our microfoundational lens sheds light on the mechanisms through which familiness underpins dynamic managerial capabilities for DT. Specifically, we identify purposeful friction as an interpersonal capability that modifies individual managers’ sensing and contributes to the bridge between sensing and seizing. To complete the model, we identify collaborative value-based decision making and experimental implementation as team-level capabilities that underpin DT seizing. Our theoretical model contributes to the current literature by unraveling the microfoundations of how team-level interaction enhances individual managers’ sensing and seizing capabilities for digital transformation in the context of family firms.

Family firm entrepreneurial orientation: the effects of socio-emotional wealth, professionalization and bifurcation bias

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the effects of socio-emotional wealth importance (SEWi) in family firms and family firm-specific HR practices, namely professionalization and bifurcation bias, on their entrepreneurial orientation (EO).Design/methodology/approachThe paper surveyed 133 small and medium-sized family firms in the USA. The respondents were recruited through Prolific Academic.FindingsWhen SEWi is low, a family firm becomes more similar to a non-family firm, thereby enjoying the benefits associated with EO. When SEWi is high, a family firm leverages the unique resources and capabilities specific to family firms. Moderate SEWi levels are associated with lower EO levels. Additionally, the results support the argument that professionalization (involving non-family managers, formalization and decentralization) fosters EO, while bifurcation bias hinders its development.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies, this paper posits a non-linear, U-shaped relationship between SEWi and EO. It contributes to the field by empirically investigating the effects of professionalization and bifurcation bias on EO in family firms.

Business advisory services and innovation during crises: Evidence from small businesses in Chile

State-sponsored business advisory services face pressure to demonstrate value-added effects among their assisted enterprises. We employ a unique survey to measure the effectiveness of a business advisory program in promoting innovation in small businesses in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also seek to determine the role of innovation in mitigating the negative effects of the pandemic on enterprises’ closure, sales, and job creation. We observe a large likelihood of innovation and a lower likelihood of closure by assisted enterprises. We also find a reduction in sales and employment during the pandemic. However, these negative effects are mitigated in enterprises that implemented innovations such as online sales, delivery, commercialization through internet channels, and the creation of new products and/or services during the pandemic. The effects of the pandemic and induced innovation are more pronounced in family businesses than in non-family businesses. This finding suggests small family firms are both more vulnerable to crises but benefit more from crises-induced innovation.

The relationship between non-family management in family firms and firm performance: A meta-analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to empirically quantify the relationship between non-family management and family firm performance and to examine the potential influence of moderating factors on this relationship. Integrating findings from 69 studies and 105 total samples, we find a significant, positive, and weak relationship that is contingent on firm variables including firm size, age, and listing on the stock market as well as methodological variables including research design and measures for both non-family management and family firm performance. Our findings show that non-family management has a stronger performance effect in studies with small, young, and private family firms and in those with panel datasets as opposed to cross-sectional ones. The study contributes to the family firm literature and yields important implications for research and practice.

Artificial intelligence in small and medium-sized family firms: An empirical study on the impact of family influence.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most important technologies of the future (Crew, 2020). So far, however, AI has been insufficiently deployed. This applies not only to family businesses, but especially to them. In terms of decision-making, these companies have a number of specific characteristics which mean that they find AI less relevant and may also be skeptical. The article discusses specifics of AI use in family businesses on the basis of a German empirical study. The paper shows that family businesses use AI less frequently and are also less open to the technology than non-family businesses. Socioemotional wealth (SEW) (Gómez-Mejia et al., 2007) serves as the theoretical basis. Based on the SEW, it is argued that although family businesses are aware of the need to apply new theories, they have so far underestimated the potentials and tend to be rather skeptical about applying these technologies. This view is supported by the empirical study. In addition, some differences between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies are also discussed in the paper.

How Relational Conflict Harms Family Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Family Social Capital and the Moderating Role of Family Ownership.

While many researchers suggest that relational conflict has adverse performance effects in family firms, the exact mechanisms through which conflict harms performance are rarely empirically investigated. This paper explores the role of family social capital in the relationship between relational conflict and family firm performance. We hypothesize that the negative relationship between relational conflict and family firm performance is partially mediated by family social capital, while family ownership moderates the relationship between relational conflict and family social capital. In a sample of 175 U.S.-based small and medium-sized family firms recruited through Prolific Academic, we find that relational conflict harms firm performance indirectly through the erosion of family social capital. However, no evidence of a direct negative effect of relational conflict on performance is found. Our results also indicate that the negative relationship between relational conflict and family social capital is intensified by family ownership. We discuss the implications and contributions and present relevant directions for future research.

Family oblige: the link between CSR and succession intention in small and medium family firms

This study investigates how family continuation, namely family tradition and succession intention, alter the socially responsible behavior of small and medium sized (SME) family firms. Using a unique dataset, we have conducted multiple regressions on survey data from German family SMEs and show a statistically and economically significant increase in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) alongside the planning of family succession. However, when analyzing the different facets of CSR, we have found strong variances: While succession intention goes along with an increased community, market, and supply chain engagement this is not the case for CSR directed towards employees, or the environment. Family tradition didn’t correlate with a change in CSR behaviour to a relevant extent. In our theoretical embedding we employed socio-emotional wealth (SEW) theory to explain our findings. Thereby, our study fills a gap in the literature adding the perspective of SME family firms on the use of CSR in the context of family succession and also adding to the theoretical understanding of SEW.

The Influence of the Business Name on the Economic Performance of Family Firms: An Analysis According to the Generational Stage

A family identity of a firm, exhibited by the presence of the family name in the business name, can influence the value of economic profitability. The present analysis also explores if this relationship varies depending on the size and the generation running the business. The sample used to conduct this study comprises a panel data set of 21,149 Spanish family firms containing information from 2003 to 2015, which translates into a balanced database including 274,937 observations. For analysis purposes, the firms are classified into small, medium-sized and large ones. Contrary to the competitive advantages brought about by the family identity of the businesses highlighted by previous research, the current study suggests its negative effects on the profitability of small and medium-sized family firms. This effect is more acute when the company is managed by its founding generation. The findings in the case of large family firms indicate that the company name does not have an impact upon economic profitability.

Exploring different configurations of entrepreneurial orientation in small artisan family firms: A multi-case study

Studies analyzing the entrepreneurial orientation of family businesses compared to their nonfamily counterparts have contributed to spreading the myth that family firms are less entrepreneurially oriented. However, the distinctive aspects characterizing the entrepreneurial orientation of family firms have received less scholarly attention. Aiming to advance this literature stream, this study postulates that family businesses are neither more nor less entrepreneurially oriented than nonfamily firms but express their entrepreneurial orientation differently, even when manifesting a similar level of entrepreneurial orientation. Building on entrepreneurial orientation studies and adopting a family embeddedness perspective, our multi-case study of 10 small artisan family firms with a high entrepreneurial orientation shows that family firms express their entrepreneurial orientation according to a set of interplaying firm- and family-level factors. The relationship among these factors leads to three different entrepreneurial orientation configurations: generational clash, family mirroring, and evolutionary adaptation. Our study of these configurations and the underlying nuances provide novel contributions to the literature and several implications for practice.

Overcoming the ability-willingness paradox in small family firms’ collaborations

Family firms’ collaborative innovation is characterized by the so-called ability-willingness paradox i.e. they are less willing to engage in collaborations despite being more able to manage them for innovation purposes. In this paper, we introduce collaboration partner type and spatial proximity as two important boundary conditions of this paradox. We examine the differences in collaboration for innovation across different spatial proximities and partner types for small family and non-family firms. We use a large sample of 6272 small firms in the United Kingdom (UK) during 2002–2016 to show that this paradox is indeed not a universal phenomenon. Small family firms overcome their lower willingness when collaborating with customers within regional proximity and, based on their unique characteristics and superior ability to govern these collaborations, they are able to generate an innovation premium compared to small non-family firms.

Service innovation in small neighborhood family firms: An advanced approach to enhance employee's performance through social and psychological rewards.

This research study focuses on the employee's job performance of private small firms during the post COVID-19 situation. After the COVID these small family firms try to regain their business, but their efforts are not that much successful. This situation creates a financial crisis in these firms, and they are unable to provide sufficient monetary rewards to their employees. This situation creates unrest among the employees of these small firms. To manage this issue, social rewards and psychological rewards played their role. The study uses a causal research design with a correlational study design in a non-contrived environment. Minimal researcher interference has been assured. AMOS 24 has dealt with the mediation in study design with bootstrap methodology. The study was conducted on 250 employees of different private small family firms across Punjab province using a proportionate stratified sampling technique. A study's finding suggests that top management enhances employee performance in their organizations by introducing the organization's psychological rewards. In contrast, introducing social rewards does not significantly impact employee performance while considering satisfaction and motivation as a mediating variable.

DO DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES FACILITATE BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED CHINESE FAMILY COMPANIES?

This study investigates whether small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under family influence (FI) can achieve business model innovation (BMI) through dynamic capabilities (DCs) as promoted by prior research. Overall, 259 small and medium-sized family firms in Southeastern China were examined and analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method. The findings showed a direct negative link between FI-DCs (sensing, seizing, and transforming capabilities), sensing capabilities—value capture, transforming capabilities—value proposition/value creation, and a positive link between seizing capabilities—value creation. Additionally, the negative moderation effect of environment dynamism was found between sensing capabilities—value capture, seizing capabilities—value creation, and transforming capabilities—value proposition. This research provides various new insights for practitioners and researchers in small and medium-sized family firms to achieve BMI through DCs. It develops an empirical, multi-dimensional hypothetical model from a micro perspective that includes the moderating role of the influencing relationship.

Employee Silence and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Small and Medium-Sized Family Firms

This paper aims to assess differences between employees of family and non-family firms regarding their levels of employee silence and their perceptions of the company’s entrepreneurial orientation. Moreover, focusing on family firms, we assess the relationship between the levels of employees’ silence and their perceptions of the firm’s entrepreneurial orientation. The empirical evidence is provided by a sample of 245 Portuguese employees, 117 employees of family firms, and 128 of non-family firms, who responded to a questionnaire that included employee silence and entrepreneurial orientation measures. Results reveal that family firms’ employees show higher levels of employee silence but perceive their companies as less entrepreneurially oriented than employees of non-family companies. In addition, our results do not support the idea that there is a relationship between the levels of employee silence and the employee’s perception of the company’s entrepreneurial orientation. This paper offers initial insights into the debate on the relationship between the levels of employee silence and the employee’s perception of the company’s entrepreneurial orientation in family firms.

Post-disaster recovery for family firms: The role of owner motivations, firm resources, and dynamic capabilities

Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes and pandemics) negatively affect firms and their stakeholders. These disasters disrupt the operations of firms and lives of people by generating a shock in the system. Small firms are especially vulnerable to the shocks and disturbances resulting from these disasters. Since small firms, especially family firms, are key economic contributors and agents of recovery in any community, understanding their post-disaster recovery processes is critical. Therefore, this study examines the post-disaster recovery processes of small family firms. We utilize a grounded theory approach to analyze and propose that resources and socioemotional wealth priorities influence the post-disaster recovery of small family firms. Utilizing the 8.8 Richter scale earthquake in Chile in 2010 as a natural disaster, we examine the eight-year lagged data of 20 small family firms with disrupted operations. Our findings have important implications for small firms experiencing the negative consequences of disruptions, including those experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic-induced disruption.