Research Insight

This type of article provides practical advice and takeaways based on previously published research articles in other journals. It is written in a journalistic, accessible style that is easily understood by non-academic audiences.


How Do Owners of Family Business Portfolios Restructure Poorly Performing Firms?

Families can get emotionally attached to laggards in their portfolios and avoid taking tough but necessary action, putting the entire enterprise in peril. When a family business portfolio includes Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Marina Palm , Vanessa Diaz Moriana and Nadine Kammerlander

Long Parental Leave Encourages Women to Start Businesses

Family-friendly policies encouraged women to think about what they really wanted for their careers. Work/life balance was not a factor. In Sweden, a growing number of mothers are starting a new Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Magdalena Markowska , Helene Ahl and Lucia Naldi

With Women Directors, Strategy Disclosure Decreases Cost of Capital at Family Businesses

The decision to disclose strategy information is critical, as it reveals managerial actions, providing financial stakeholders with the information required to assess the firm’s competitive Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Rafaela Gjergji , Luigi Vena , Giovanna Campopiano , Salvatore Sciascia and Alessandro Cortesi

Renewing the Empire: A Family Firm's Succession and Refit Journey

While the global business environment is forever changing, family firms often stand for longevity and stability -- and stable, long-term management is a key strategic element in their performance Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Melania Riefolo , Sena Özkara , Baris Istipliler and Jan-Philipp Ahrens

How Business Families Can Invest for Social Impact

“ My great-great grandfather spent the first half of his life making money, and the second half of his life, giving it away - and the family has continued a strong tradition of both business and Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Cristina Maria Cruz Serrano , Rachida Justo and Jeanne Roche

Should Former Leaders Stay Involved in the Family Firm?

For many family business owners, thinking about succession can be challenging. It’s a lengthy process, and filled with questions and activities that seem daunting initially. However, it is Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Melania Riefolo , Sena Özkara , Jan-Philipp Ahrens and Niloufar Nekouei

Why Families and Their Firms Behave Badly

Across a range of disciplines, researchers have sought to identify the “bad behavior” of family firms as well as its causes and effects. Such topics include family conflict, sibling rivalry, Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Roland Kidwell , Kimberly Eddleston , Linda Kidwell , John Cater and Ellison Howard

How Well are Business Owners Preparing for Succession and Transition?

American business owners are aging. According to the 2021 US Census, nearly  52% of business owners are 55+ and 23% are 65+. This is consistent with the increased proportion of aging Americans Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Author: Michael Darger

Single Family Offices as Owners: Long-Term Investors or Financial Optimizers?

When a family firm reaches a certain size, the family may decide to transfer their wealth and their ownership into a family office. These offices help business families manage their wealth across Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Joern Block , Reza Fathollahi and Onur Eroglu

Parental Divorce Affects Future Entrepreneurial Success

A child’s upbringing within his or her family often sows the seeds of entrepreneurial success later in life. Yet, families today are increasingly fragile, and many entrepreneurs have experienced Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Mateja Andric , Josh Hsueh , Thomas Zellweger and Isabella Hatak