Family Firm: A Distinctive Form of Organization

The study explores the relationship between organization theory (OT) and family business (FB) and presents opportunities for dialogue and collaboration in three research domains: managing hybridity, mastering tensions, dualities, and paradoxes, and modelling time and temporality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The integration of the research fields of Organization Theory (OT) and Family Business (FB) is a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. This Element serves as a call to explore new avenues for further integrating these two disciplines. It begins by presenting a comprehensive review of the family business literature in management journals, categorizing these papers based on four types of theoretical contributions: Embedded, Integrative, Challenger, and Generalized.

In the first section, the Element provides an overview of the family business literature in management journals. It highlights the significant contributions made by family business scholars to the field of management, emphasizing their unique insights and perspectives. The literature review covers a wide range of topics, including family firm governance, succession planning, entrepreneurship, and corporate social responsibility.

The second section of the Element focuses on the categorization of family business literature based on the four theoretical contributions. Embedded contributions refer to studies that integrate family business concepts into existing organizational theory frameworks. Integrative contributions, on the other hand, seek to bridge the gap between family business theory and other management disciplines, such as marketing, finance, and strategy. Challenger contributions challenge traditional assumptions and theories in the field of family business, while Generalized contributions provide a broader perspective on family business issues.

The third section of the Element discusses opportunities for dialogue between FB and OT in three research domains: managing hybridity, mastering tensions, dualities, and paradoxes, and modelling time and temporality. Hybridity refers to the challenges and opportunities that arise when family businesses operate in complex and dynamic environments. Tensions, dualities, and paradoxes arise from the unique dynamics and complexities of family businesses. Modelling time and temporality involves understanding the temporal aspects of family business operations and their impact on decision-making and strategy.

In conclusion, the integration of the research fields of OT and FB presents significant opportunities for scholars and practitioners alike. By exploring new avenues for dialogue and collaboration, we can gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family businesses. This integration can lead to the development of new theories, frameworks, and practices that can help family businesses thrive in today's competitive and complex business environment.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009087612