Secrets of succession: how one family business reached the ninth generation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chamsa Fendri ◽  
Pascal Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family ◽  
Consistent Picture ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the specific structures and routines of family firms and to highlight their strengths and weaknesses using a case study. Design/methodology/approach The case describes a French SME in the construction sector that is undergoing succession from the eighth to the ninth generation. Both generations have offered their viewpoints. The succession context allows us to better distinguish what makes a family firm uniquely resilient and what may easily turn into a weakness. Findings The case indicates that the trust that family owners have cultivated with employees allows the firm to operate less formally and with less rigid procedures. It also encourages employees to take initiatives and contributes to their greater engagement. On the other hand, it may expose the firm to more structured and well-organized competitors. Research limitations/implications The limitations are those relative to the use of a single case. Practical implications Succession is a delicate process that needs to be well prepared and executed without any haste. It involves retaining the firm’s strengths, such as the social capital that the family has patiently amassed. But it also represents an opportunity to review the firm’s practices and to introduce a good dose of innovation. Originality/value The case provides a vivid illustration of what makes family firms so distinctive. Theoretical concepts and empirical findings from the literature are put together in a single consistent picture.

Exploring the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 822-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Le Roux ◽  
Marius Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Listed Company ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to explore the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the nexus by obtaining in-depth insight from the sensemaking of those in practice. Design/methodology/approach A single exploratory case study design strategy was applied to a leading stock exchange listed company in the property industry in South Africa. Rich qualitative data were gathered by applying multiple data gathering techniques to a diverse group of employees within the case company. Findings This empirical study contributes a metaphor of a cog and chain and nine themes that elucidate employee sensemaking at the nexus. Integrated reporting was found to drive sustainability embeddedness and foster changes within the organisation. The themes offer in-depth insight into how employees made sense of integrated reporting as a driver for sustainability embeddedness. Research limitations/implications The findings emerged from a single case study that operated in a mandatory disclosure context and are therefore not generalisable. The findings reflect the intended outcomes of integrated reporting and further research to explore the unintended outcomes and challenges associated with integrated reporting is suggested. Practical implications The study contributes to a growing practice based agenda by offering a better understanding of how integrated reporting and sustainability are conceptualised and adopted in practice. Social implications The findings offer organisations’ guidance on integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness adoption which can have vast implications for society and the environment. Originality/value The study responds to gaps in the literature and calls for studies to explore the intersection between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness by engaging those in practice.

Managing failure in the merger process: evidence from a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Anne-Sophie Thelisson
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Organizational Issues ◽  
Integrative View ◽  
Merger Process ◽  
Consistent Picture ◽  
Post Merger Integration ◽  
Merger Integration

Purpose Despite their high number, most mergers end in failure. Academic studies of how these failures occur have remained rare, first, because of the difficulty of accessing the cases, and second, because of the difficulty of obtaining – for the purposes of qualitative analysis – objective and freely shared perceptions from the stakeholders, who tend to avoid speaking about failure. This is unfortunate, however, as failure can serve as a stimulus for organizational learning and readaptation for the future. Design/methodology/approach The author investigated how an organization managed failure during the post-merger integration stage. The author described the merger of two listed French companies using longitudinal data. Findings This in-depth case study provides new insights into failure during post-merger integration. The paper highlights the complexity of post-merger integration processes and the failures that the integration stakeholders had to address. The author underlined how they recognized failures and put into place solutions. They particularly highlighted two failures and how they were managed by the managers who acted as knowledge brokers within the new organization and by stakeholders who deconstructed the organization to ensure its future. Research limitations/implications The limitations are those concerning a single case study. Practical implications The paper identified trigger events in the merger process that prompted stakeholders to step in and manage and resolve failures during the integration period. Such triggers can be considered as steps for managers and stakeholders to solve organizational issues in the merger process. The paper highlighted the complexity of post-merger integration processes and the failures faced by integration stakeholders. The analysis thus contributes to an inclusive and integrative view of the challenges in this process. Social implications Despite their high number, merger and acquisition failures remain surprisingly high. This paper explored how stakeholders deal with failures by identifying which solutions are best adapted to their organization. Originality/value The case provides a vivid illustration of failure management during a merger process. Theoretical concepts and empirical findings from the literature are combined to present a single consistent picture.

Entrepreneurial orientation and the role of the context. The case of the firm “Sa Panada Srl”

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Floris ◽  
Angela Dettori ◽  
Camilla Melis ◽  
Cinzia Dessì
Keyword(s):  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe paper aims to analyse the case of “Sa Panada srl”, a tiny Sardinian family firm, to provide intriguing insights for the study of entrepreneurial orientation in a context that is anchored in an apparent and hostile past.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory approach is used to analyse a single-case study through a narrative approach. Data were analysed through the hermeneutic trio consisting of three phases: (1) explication – contextualisation, reconstruction and synthesis of the history; (2) explanation – identification, description and understanding of the meaning of the narrative; and (3) exploration – discussion and identification of theoretical and practical implications.FindingsThe study introduces novel best practices that help enhance entrepreneurial orientation in a difficult setting based on change reluctance and past anchored culture.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretically, the study contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial orientation, internationalisation and innovativeness of family firms embedded in a hostile context. The main drawback of the study is its explorative analysis of a single case.Practical implicationsFor practitioners, the research proposes the case study as a best practice able to inspire successful resilient behaviour and decisions for other firms that experience daily challenges.Originality/valueThe study elucidates the relevance of individual factors of family owners as endogenous elements that can balance contextual obstacles with ambitions of growth and development.

Suicidality in detention centres: a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jurgita Rimkeviciene ◽  
John O’Gorman ◽  
Diego De Leo
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Refugee Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Processing Centre ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Recent reports raise suicidality among asylum seekers as a pertinent issue in current Australian offshore detention centres. However, knowledge on the nature of the suicidality in these centres is very limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore in depth how suicidality arises and develops in offshore detention centres. Design/methodology/approach A single case study approach was used. Findings This case study presents the findings on the suicidal process of an asylum seeker who attempted suicide three times while in Nauru Regional Processing Centre, the last of which being a near-lethal one. The prolonged mandatory detention, together with lack of clarity about the timeframes of detention and constant postponing of the legal processes were identified as the main factors driving the suicidal intent. The suicidal behaviour escalated from an interrupted attempt to a near lethal one within two years, which signals lack of adequate suicide prevention within detention. Practical implications The resources for mental health being limited in Nauru, it is likely overall changes in refugee status processing may be a more effective suicide prevention strategy rather than implementation of other additional measures. Originality/value Studies in offshore processing facilities have been scarce due to barriers for researchers to access the detention centres. This study offers a unique insight into suicidality in this hard to reach population.

Family protocol: how it shapes succession in family firms

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
Cláudia Matias ◽  
Mário Franco
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Succession Planning ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
The Family ◽  
Succession Process ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to understand the role that family protocol can have in the succession planning process of family businesses. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, the authors decided on a qualitative approach and performed an exploratory case study in Portugal: one firm with a family protocol. As data collection techniques, interviewing, direct observation and documentary analysis were used. Findings Based on the empirical evidence, it is concluded that a family protocol can help succession planning and favour the continuity and survival of the family business. Practical implications This study shows the relevance of a family protocol for the succession process that seems to be at the basis of family firms’ continuity, survival and minimising their failure. Originality/value Although family firms are many in number and central in the dynamics of the world economy, the family protocol has not been approached as a determinant of a successful succession process. This holds particularly for the realm of family firms.

Strategies for family firms expanding into international markets

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Family ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
International Social

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This case study-led research paper examines the ability of Kosovan family firms to build value through international social networks, when seeking to expand into selling products in new international markets. This internationalization was achieved in incremental steps as the family firms continued to learn and refine their strategies for each country. The family firms gravitated to long-term relationships with partners who committed to helping them enter new markets, sometimes at the cost of future innovation. The authors recommend that family firms seek out innovative distributors, while also actively nurturing their networks to keep themselves up-to-date with market developments. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Performative narrative and actor-network theory – a study of a hotel in administration

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 972-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Andrew Vickers ◽  
Alice Moore ◽  
Louise Vickers
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This study aims to weave together narrative analysis (hereinafter NA) and Actor-Network Theory (hereinafter ANT), in order to address recent calls for performative studies to combine approaches and specifically to use ANT. Particularly, they address how a conflicting narrative is mobilised through a network of internal–external and human–nonhuman actors. Design/methodology/approach A fragment of data, generated from a longitudinal case study, is explored using NA and ANT in combination. Findings By engaging with ANT’s rejection of dualisms (i.e. human–nonhuman and micro–macro) and its approach to relationality, the authors inform NA and performative studies. They also add to the limited literature addressing how conflicting antenarratives are mobilised and shape the organisation’s trajectory. Research limitations/implications Generalizing from a single case study is problematic, although transferability is possible. Generalisability could be achievable through multiple performative studies. Practical/implications By demonstrating how counter networks form and antenarrative is constructed to supplant hegemonic narrative, the authors are able to problematise the taken for granted and highlight the possibilities offered by divergent voices. Originality/value The performation provides a deeper understanding of organisational performance through our NA-ANT combination, and the authors provide insight into the mobilisation of conflicting narratives in organisation studies.

scholarly journals Can “sin industries” prove their legitimacy through CSR reporting? A study of UK tobacco and gambling companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asahita Dhandhania ◽  
Eleanor O'Higgins
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Stakeholder Support ◽  
The Social ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the ways that sin industry companies attempt to utilise CSR reporting for legitimation.Design/methodology/approachConventional and summative content analyses were carried out on annual CSR reports in UK tobacco and gambling companies, juxtaposed against analysis of the actual behaviour of the companies, collectively and individually.FindingsThe paper concludes that there is an ongoing tension between the business of sin industry companies and their attempts to establish and maintain any legitimacy, using CSR reporting in particular ways to try to prove their credentials to society and to engage salient stakeholder support. Ultimately, they aim to give themselves the scope for strategic choice to enable survival and financial flourishing.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research on CSR on other sin industries and in other jurisdictions with different regulatory situations could shed further light on the achievement or denial of different types of legitimacy. Studying different time periods as industries change would be of value.Practical implicationsOn a practical basis, the study offers guidelines to stakeholders on the use of CSR reports from sin companies, and suggests the establishment of objective external CSR reports, overseen by accounting regulators.Social implicationsThe paper provides an overview of the role of sin industries in society, and mitigating their harms.Originality/valueThis study allowed for a comprehensive, dynamic and inclusive understanding of the interplay of CSR reporting and legitimacy by addressing conflicting interests between sin companies' social effects and inherent activities at the industry level. The methodology of multiple case study design in two sin industries combined content analysis of CSR reports, juxtaposed against analysis of behaviour in context. Previous research included the juxtaposition of actuality in analysis of only single case studies or particular issues. Thus, this research allows for a broader industry understanding. On a practical basis, the study offers guidelines to stakeholders on the use of CSR reports from sin companies, and suggests the establishment of objective external CSR reports, overseen by accounting regulators. At the social level, the paper provides an overview of sin industries in society, and mitigating their harms.

scholarly journals Innovation and cross-functional teams

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 84-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Marasquini Stipp ◽  
Márcio Lopes Pimenta ◽  
Daniel Jugend
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Incremental Innovation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Tax Management ◽  
Functional Teams ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to characterize how innovation may happen through cross-functional teams (CFT) in an organization of the public sector. Design/methodology/approach A case study helped to characterize several behavior patterns, team structures and respective links with generating innovation in internal processes and public answering contexts. Findings The results highlight that formal-temporary teams present a higher capacity to generate incremental innovation in products, whereas permanent-informal teams have a higher capacity to generate innovation in the internal processes and public answering contexts. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this research relate to the fact that this is a single case study, and although it is an important case to examine innovation and CFTs, by its very nature, it is not possible to extend and generalize the obtained data to other organizations. The evaluation of its propositions was merely qualitative, and future research is needed to validate its characteristics. Practical implications Several settings of CFTs are presented, as well as their ability to generate different types of innovation, such as the computerization of documents, petitions and papers, which decreases the time to answer the taxpayer. Moreover, CFTs can help to create products, such as computer programs that can be used not only locally but also in several public organizations related to tax management. Originality/value The field research provides the perceptions of the respondents regarding CFT characteristics that can lead to specific types of innovation, as well as the types of products or services that can be generated by these processes.

Determinants of family meetings in private family businesses

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akif Cicek ◽  
Rüveyda Kelleci ◽  
Pieter Vandekerkhof
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Governance Mechanisms ◽  
Social Systems Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Governance ◽  
Family Meetings ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Family

PurposeFamily governance mechanisms serve to govern and strengthen relations between the family and the business, as well as the relationships between the members of the business family itself. However, despite agreement on the importance of adopting family governance structures, explicit research on the determinants of family governance mechanisms is currently missing. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to uncover the determinants of family meetings. In order to do so, the social systems theory is used to unravel several determining factors of this crucial form of family governance mechanisms in private family firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors perform a qualitative study by conducting semi-structured interviews in eight Belgian private family firms in order to discover the antecedents of the implementation of family meetings. The authors use a pattern-matching technique as an analytical strategy.FindingsThe findings of the study highlight the importance of “soft,” relational, qualitative issues as antecedents of family meetings as opposed to previous research on family governance, which predominantly focused on “hard,” quantitative measures (e.g. family ownership). The findings of the study also provide novel insights into the origins of the family component (i.e. family meetings) of family business governance.Originality/valueWhile the current literature has only focused on describing the different types of family governance and their positive consequences for the family firm, the authors take a step back to explain why family meetings, as a form of family governance, are adopted in the first place. Second, the authors demonstrate the instrumentality of the social systems theory in understanding the family's needs that necessitate the implementation of family governance mechanisms.

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