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Explorations of dynamic power processes within copreneurial couples

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  • Hedberg, Patricia R.
  • Danes, Sharon M.

Abstract

Recent researchers have called for a more detailed and nuanced investigation of the behavioral dynamics of an important family firm and entrepreneurial unit of analysis, the married copreneurial couple. In this study, we provide a rare examination of the dynamic power processes within copreneurial couples as a bridge between entrepreneurship and family firm research. Multiple methods, including self-reports, observational coding of team interviews, and analytic induction with team and individual interviews, found support for the importance of copreneurial power structures and interactions for business productivity. Rich field data illustrate the foundational role of an inclusive power structure. Moreover, findings suggest that copreneurial businesses where spouses are seen as equal partners engaging in collaborative power interactions are likely to result in a more productive business decision team that has the resilience to creatively solve important business problems. Several theory-building propositions for copreneurial couple power processes are proposed. Implications for copreneurial couples, entrepreneurial teams, family business consultants, and future research in power structure and power interaction dynamics are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Hedberg, Patricia R. & Danes, Sharon M., 2012. "Explorations of dynamic power processes within copreneurial couples," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 3(4), pages 228-238.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:fambus:v:3:y:2012:i:4:p:228-238
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfbs.2012.10.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sohrab Soleimanof & Kulraj Singh & Daniel T. Holt, 2019. "Micro-Foundations of Corporate Entrepreneurship in Family Firms: An Institution-Based Perspective," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 43(2), pages 274-281, March.
    2. Gérard Hirigoyen & Amélie Villéger, 2017. "Women and power: a theoretical approach using the example of copreneurial businesses," Post-Print hal-02118625, HAL.
    3. Reilly, Timothy M. & Jones, Raymond, 2017. "Mixed methodology in family business research: Past accomplishments and perspectives for the future," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 8(3), pages 185-195.
    4. Randerson, Kathleen & Bettinelli, Cristina & Fayolle, Alain & Anderson, Alistair, 2015. "Family entrepreneurship as a field of research: Exploring its contours and contents," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 6(3), pages 143-154.
    5. Kanaya Mahanti & Nitesh Bhatia & Sudhir Rana, 2025. "Redefining copreneurs: a four decadal review adopting computer aided text analysis," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-40, December.
    6. Fletcher, Denise & Massis, Alfredo De & Nordqvist, Mattias, 2016. "Qualitative research practices and family business scholarship: A review and future research agenda," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 7(1), pages 8-25.
    7. Kushins, Eric R. & Behounek, Elaina, 2020. "Using sociological theory to problematize family business research," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 11(1).
    8. Campopiano, Giovanna & De Massis, Alfredo & Rinaldi, Francesca Romana & Sciascia, Salvatore, 2017. "Women’s involvement in family firms: Progress and challenges for future research," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 8(4), pages 200-212.
    9. Aliaa El Shoubaki & Jörn Block & Frank Lasch, 2022. "The couple business as a unique form of business: a review of the empirical evidence," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 72(1), pages 115-147, February.
    10. Llach, Josep & Sanchez-Famoso, Valeriano & Danes, Sharon M., 2023. "Unmasking nonfamily employees’ complex contribution to family business performance: A place identity theory approach," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 14(4).
    11. Baù, Massimo & Pittino, Daniel & Sieger, Philipp & Eddleston, Kimberly A., 2020. "Careers in family business: New avenues for careers and family business research in the 21st century," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 11(3).
    12. Hanson, Sheila K. & Hessel, Heather M. & Danes, Sharon M., 2019. "Relational processes in family entrepreneurial culture and resilience across generations," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 10(3), pages 1-1.

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