Research on innovation in family businesses: are we building an ivory tower?

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Fuetsch ◽  
Julia Suess-Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Recent Criticism ◽  
Practical Relevance ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Business Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose One of the central requirements of research is that the knowledge acquired should not only be academically rigorous, but also socially useful. If an article fails to address practical relevance, the audience will question its value and respond with “so what?”. Due to recent criticism regarding the practical relevance of innovation research, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether a similar “ivory divide” prevails in research on innovation in family businesses. More specifically, this paper investigates to what extent and at what depth researchers generate practical implications for innovation in family businesses. Furthermore, different strategies to bridge the “ivory divide” are discussed. Design/methodology/approach This literature review systematically analyses the findings of 50 journal articles focusing on innovation in family businesses published between 2004 and 2015. Based on this, the articles are classified according to their degree of practical relevance. Findings Although the findings unanimously show the relevance of innovation for strengthening business’s performance, only a minority of articles offer in-depth implications for practitioners in terms of practical guidance for action and application-oriented recommendations. A number of reasons for the development of this “ivory divide” are discussed and suggestions for how the connection between research and practice could be strengthened are provided. Originality/value This paper attempts to provide an impulse toward more practically oriented family business research in order to increase its interestingness to academics and its value to practitioners.

Sustainable entrepreneurship: another avenue for family business scholarship?

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Woodfield ◽  
Christine Woods ◽  
Deborah Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Sustainable Entrepreneurship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review family businesses as a subset of sustainable entrepreneurship. It is intended that another avenue of scholarship for the growing interest in family businesses and their continuity across generations will be outlined. Design/methodology/approach Relevant journal articles were selected and broadly analysed to gather an understanding of the current state of existing sustainable entrepreneurship literature. The main themes extrapolated related to sustainable entrepreneurship and potential directions for future research. Findings Although sustainable entrepreneurship has been traditionally concentrated in the environmental and social responsibility literature, there are emerging paths where family businesses can be considered alongside community-based enterprise. Research limitations/implications The findings suggest that future research into sustaining family businesses across generations could be situated under sustainable entrepreneurship scholarship. Originality/value This paper presents a novel review and summary of recent literature at the juncture of family business and sustainable entrepreneurship. It is useful for directing scholars towards an avenue which has not traditionally had attention from family business researchers.

Corporate social responsibility practices developed by Mexican family and non-family businesses

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luis Esparza Aguilar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
University Education ◽  
Quintana Roo ◽  
Southern State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mexican Family ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the CSR practices developed by Mexican family and non-family MSMEs. The study also aims to compare the CSR practices carried out by family and non-family businesses in a country with an emergent economy. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an exploratory study using a sample of 384 businesses was selected in the southern state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, distributed in 245 family and 139 non-family businesses and a questionnaire was applied directly to the managers/owners. Findings The results show that family MSMEs develop CSR practices to a higher extent than non-family ones, mainly on environment and societal dimensions. In addition, CSR practices in family-owned enterprises develop to a higher extent when the manager/owner has more years of experience in the business, has a higher university education and the size of the business is larger. Research limitations/implications The study was developed exclusively with a MSMEs sample with a scope only on the southern part of Quintana Roo, Mexico; the shortage of business databases and the stratification of businesses based exclusively on the number of employees. This work presents information that contributes to the state of the art, broadening the existing literature related to CSR in businesses of a country with an emergent economy and an environment where the tourism and commercial sectors predominate. Practical implications This paper provides information to government institutions for the establishment of public policies targeted for an increase of CSR activities by businesses in the area. Manager and/or owners can understand the importance of implementing CSR activities within the business as a competitive strategy. It is also important for universities, professors/researchers and for all interested parties. Originality/value This paper provides theoretical and empirical evidence about CSR practices carried out among family and non-family MSMEs in an emergent economy.

Motivations, barriers and readiness factors for Quality 4.0 implementation: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Sony ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Jacqueline Ann Douglas ◽  
Olivia McDermott
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Practical Relevance ◽  
Theoretical Base ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeQuality 4.0 is the new buzzword among quality professionals. There has been no empirical study of Quality 4.0 yet. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate what are the motivations, barriers and readiness factors for Quality 4.0 implementation.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses an online survey on senior quality professionals working in leading companies in Europe and America. In total, 50 participants participated in this study.FindingsThis study finds the top five motivating, barriers and readiness factors for Quality 4.0 implementation. These factors are ranked in terms of the order of importance as perceived by senior quality professionals.Research limitations/implicationsThis is the first empirical study on Quality 4.0 that investigates the motivation, barriers and readiness factors of Quality 4.0. This study provides a theoretical base of Quality 4.0 body of knowledge in terms of its practical relevance and adoption in modern-day organizations.Practical implicationsOrganizations can use this study to understand what the motivation and barriers for implementing Quality 4.0. In addition, before implementation of Quality 4.0, the readiness factor for Quality 4.0 can be used by organizations to evaluate their preparedness before the actual implementation of the initiative.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study on Quality 4.0 that captures the viewpoints of senior quality professionals on the motivation, barriers and readiness factors of Quality 4.0.

Passing on the legacy: exploring the dynamics of succession in family businesses in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma AbdulRahim Chang ◽  
Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik ◽  
Navaz Naghavi
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Succession Planning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traditional Family ◽  
Interviewing Technique

PurposeBy taking the theory of entrepreneurial legacy as the baseline, this study explores the various aspects of succession planning in indigenous family businesses especially the role of female family members in succession and conflicts in family businesses.Design/methodology/approachThe study is qualitative in nature and adopts narrative inquiry to explore the aspects of succession planning. In doing so, the study utilizes an in-depth interviewing technique with nine participants who run their family-owned firms which are mostly in their second or third generation for analysis.FindingsThe findings are concurrent with the literature that indicates a lack of strategic succession planning although ordinary or natural succession does occur in some firms. The study also reports a lack of consideration for female members in succession, daughters in particular, for traditional family firms (FFs) in contrast to entrepreneurial FFs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has many implications for family-owned firms in Pakistan as they need to align their family business with the theory of entrepreneurial legacy and its three strategic activities in order to ensure the longevity of their business.Originality/valueExploring how succession planning takes place in family indigenous family businesses and what is the role of female family members in succession and conflicts in family businesses are original contributions of this study.

A family-enterprise collective certification trademark: consumer insight

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Nikodemska-Wolowik ◽  
Piotr Zientara ◽  
Anna Zamojska
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Enterprise ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Consumer Insight ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to find out how consumers respond to a proposed family-enterprise collective certification trademark and how they perceive family firms in general.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a quantitative approach. It draws on a questionnaire survey conducted among 1,091 Polish consumers in January 2018. Statistical methods, such as exploratory factor analysis, were applied.FindingsPolish consumers responded positively to the proposed trademark. It also turned out that those who pay attention to the producer or the brand owner in a given sector also pay attention to the symbols placed on products or services from these sectors. There was a strong relationship between consumers' positive perceptions of family firms and their assessments of the proposed trademark. This did not extend to negative perceptions. The findings from this study may be generalisable to other post-communist societies.Practical implicationsFamily firms should redouble their efforts to introduce a family-enterprise collective certification trademark (not only in Poland, but also in those countries where such a trademark is non-existent). This should be handled by umbrella bodies for family business.Originality/valueLittle research work, based on a large and representative sample, has so far focussed on the issue of how consumers respond to a family-enterprise identity. The value of this study lies in deepening understanding of the processes and mechanisms that underlie the organisation–consumer relationship within the context of family-enterprise operation.

Generation Z entering the workforce: the need for sustainable strategies in maximizing their talent

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 34-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharat Chillakuri ◽  
Rajendra Mahanandia
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Cohort Group ◽  
Generation Z ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Research Analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the characteristics of the cohort Generation Z and identify strategies for maximizing their talent. The study emphasizes that it is critical for the organization to revisit their strategies so as to accommodate this cohort group. With Generation Z entering the workforce, the nature of entry-level jobs is changing; hence, HR needs to redesign their strategies to attract and engage Generation Z.Design/methodology/approachThe research design adopted for the study is exploratory in nature. The research analysis is based on the information/data collected from the journal articles, newspapers and various conferences and majorly from in-person discussions with the Generation Z cohort group.FindingsGeneration Z believes in multitasking and likes to learn everything on their own, underscoring their individuality. They believe in doing more in less time, and thus, efficiency and effectiveness are attributed to be part of their DNA.Research limitations/implicationsIt has to be accepted that very little is known about Generation Z as they have just started to enter the workforce. The next two years will have this cohort joining organizations in entry-level jobs. Organizations have to carefully watch and redesign their strategies to effectively engage this group, as they have no choice except to accept the new generation.Practical implicationsThe literature on Generation Z is scanty, as much of the scholarly research is done in isolation. However, prior studies indicate that Generation Z is tech-savvy and wants everything connected. Organizations will be forced to accept technology as the preferred medium of communication when Generation Z enters the organization.Originality/valueThe study presents an alternative for managing the Generation Z, thereby maximizing their talent in the workplace.

scholarly journals Bridging the relevance-ranking chasm: mission impossible?

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Zolkiewski
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
First Century ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Business Research ◽  
Business World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Business And Management ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to debate the challenges related to balancing relevance and ranking in management research. Design/methodology/approach This is a commentary on and review of challenges faced by twenty-first century management academics. Findings There is a chasm between managerial relevance and current managerial research; however, with academic buy-in, there are ways in which the chasm can be crossed. Research limitations/implications The implications of this are wide reaching for management researchers. They are challenged to consider different methodologies, strategies and dissemination avenues for their research. Practical implications Researchers need to consider not only collaboration with practitioners, as they pursue solutions to managerial problems, but also more inter-disciplinary research that addresses the wicked problems of management in practice. Social implications Solving the challenge of managerial relevance of business research has the potential to allow the contribution of business academia to be fully appreciated by practitioners. Originality/value The value of this thought-piece is that it challenges business and management academics to challenge the status quo and fight to make their research relevant to and valued by the business world.

Cultural values and their implications to family business succession

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grisna Anggadwita ◽  
Werda Bagus Profityo ◽  
Dini Turipanam Alamanda ◽  
Anggraeni Permatasari
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Chinese Family ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Family ◽  
Succession Process ◽  
Business Succession ◽  
Family Business Succession ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The family business is one of the business entities that contribute to the economy of a country. Succession in the family business occupies a strategic position, especially in maintaining the company’s sustainability. The Chinese family business has unique characteristics in maintaining and growing its business with the cultural values that underlie how their business. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the cultural values of Chinese ethnic and their implications in the succession process in small family businesses in Bandung, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a qualitative method with the in-depth interview method as a data collection technique. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling, while to test the validity of research data using a triangulation technique. A total of four small Chinese-owned family businesses participated as informants in this study. The study will identify the stage of succession process in the Chinese family business. Findings There are several stages identified in the succession planning of small Chinese-owned family business in Bandung which include succession antecedents, succession activities and desired outcomes. The results showed that small Chinese-owned family business in Bandung has not applied the rules and procedures in the succession process. Most of the Chinese family business in this research still holds Confucianism culture; they prioritize boys as business successors, who have a greater responsibility rather than successor with other gender. Practical implications Several implications are discussed. One of them is the Chinese family business holding cultural values in the process of family business succession. Originality/value This research is expected to provide theoretical and practical implications for academics and family companies with similar cases.

Analysis of readiness factors for Industry 4.0 implementation in SMEs using COPRAS

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.M. Sriram ◽  
S. Vinodh
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Multi Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Practical Relevance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
Manufacturing Competitiveness ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the readiness factors for Industry 4.0 deployment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using complex proportionality assessment (COPRAS) methodology.Design/methodology/approachIndustry 4.0 is vital for ensuring manufacturing competitiveness of SMEs. In order to facilitate Industry 4.0 adoption in SMEs, readiness factors need to be analysed. In this viewpoint, this article presents the analysis of readiness factors using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool COPRAS.FindingsThe priority of ranking of 15 readiness factors is obtained. The prioritized readiness factors would enable the smooth adoption of Industry 4.0 in SMEs.Practical implicationsThe study has been done based on inputs from industry practitioners and hence the results have practical relevance.Originality/valueThe analysis of readiness factors for Industry 4.0 in SMEs using COPRAS is the original contribution of authors.

Research gaps in Lean manufacturing: a systematic literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 815-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Psomas ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Academic Journal ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Literature contributions to Lean manufacturing (LM) are fragmented and show some significant limitations. The purpose of this paper is to identify the existing research gaps in LM as well as to group them into respective themes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) of peer reviewed journal articles in LM was carried out by the authors, based on four major publishers, namely, Emerald Online, Science Direct, Springer Link and Taylor & Francis. In total, 120 articles published in 30 journals during 2005–2016 were collected which revealed LM research gaps. A simple affinity diagram was applied in order to group the research gaps into logical themes. Findings A large number of research gaps are identified in the LM literature and meaningful themes of these gaps are also revealed. Research limitations/implications The SLR carried out by the authors is based on only four academic journal publishers and some of other publishers might have been missed out in this search. Excluding articles focusing on an individual Lean principle or tool/technique is also a limitation of the present SLR. Practical implications Researchers and practitioners can use the LM research gaps presented in this study for further development of LM methodology. Originality/value Presenting LM research gaps analytically and grouping them into meaningful themes, significantly differentiates the present SLR study from those published so far.

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