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Knowledge sharing in small family firms: A leadership perspective

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  • Cunningham, James
  • Seaman, Claire
  • McGuire, David

Abstract

Knowledge sharing is considered critical in the development of a knowledge resource to contribute to the strategic development of the firm. However, how this key organisational activity takes place in small family firms is unknown, as much of the surrounding literature focuses on large, nonfamily-oriented firms. This mixed-methods article investigates the nature of knowledge sharing in small family firms, and explores the role of the influence of family in knowledge resource development. Quantitative findings (n=110) acknowledge heterogeneity of leadership style in small family firms and identify two distinct ways in which knowledge sharing activities are approached; while qualitative data (n=26) examine implications for individual knowledge sharing and the role that family plays. This article contributes to both the family business and knowledge sharing literature and outlines implications for the way in which small family firms view the development of their knowledge resource.

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  • Cunningham, James & Seaman, Claire & McGuire, David, 2016. "Knowledge sharing in small family firms: A leadership perspective," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 7(1), pages 34-46.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:fambus:v:7:y:2016:i:1:p:34-46
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfbs.2015.10.002
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    3. Miruna Radu-Lefebvre & James Davis & William Gartner, 2024. "Legacy in Family Business: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda," Post-Print hal-04515862, HAL.
    4. Csillag Sára & Csizmadia Péter & Hidegh Anna Laura & Szászvári Karina Ágnes, 2019. "Typical features of family-owned SME’s HR practices," Prosperitas, Budapest Business School, vol. 2019(1), pages 55-75.
    5. Csillag Sára & Csizmadia Péter & Hidegh Anna Laura & Szászvári Karina Ágnes, 2019. "Typical features of family-owned SME’s HR practices," Prosperitas, Budapest Business University, vol. 6(1), pages 55-75.
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    12. Espeche, José Francisco Tragant & Sacristán-Navarro, María & Zúñiga-Vicente, José Ángel & Crespo, Nuno Fernandes, 2023. "Innovation and internationalisation during times of economic growth, crisis, and recovery prior to Covid-19: A configurational approach comparing Spanish manufacturing family and non-family firms," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 14(1).
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