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Beyond organizational identification: The legitimization and robustness of family identification in the family firm

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  • Matherne, Curtis
  • Waterwall, Brian
  • Ring, J. Kirk
  • Credo, Keith

Abstract

This study explores family firms using principles from Social Identity Theory. Based on a survey of 173 employees working in family firms, we examine the different effects that organizational identification and family identification have on the commitment and citizenship behaviors of family firm employees. Results indicate that family identification and organizational identification represent two different constructs that affect the behaviors of employees within family firms. In particular, family identification is positively related to commitment and citizenship behaviors. Results also indicate that this relationship is affected by membership in the owning family. Our study extends the domain of organizational identification as a construct and acknowledges the importance of considering both family and organizational identification when exploring the behaviors of employees within family firms. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Matherne, Curtis & Waterwall, Brian & Ring, J. Kirk & Credo, Keith, 2017. "Beyond organizational identification: The legitimization and robustness of family identification in the family firm," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 8(3), pages 170-184.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:fambus:v:8:y:2017:i:3:p:170-184
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jfbs.2017.08.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Elsbach, Kimberly D. & Pieper, Torsten M., 2019. "How psychological needs motivate family firm identifications and identifiers: A framework and future research agenda," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 10(3), pages 1-1.
    3. Boberg, Pauline S. & Bövers, Jana & Bormann, Kai C. & Hoon, Christina, 2023. "Identity leadership in family businesses: The important role of nonfamily leaders," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 14(2).
    4. Serhan, Carole & Nader, Rami & Gereige, William, 2023. "Modeling the effect of continuity and change as paradoxical forces in the inter-generational transition process of family businesses," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 14(4).
    5. Waterwall, Brian & Alipour, Kent K., 2021. "Nonfamily employees’ perceptions of treatment in family businesses: Implications for organizational attraction, job pursuit intentions, work attitudes, and turnover intentions," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 12(3).
    6. Köhn, Philipp & Ruf, Philipp Julian & Moog, Petra, 2023. "Why are non-family employees intrapreneurially active in family firms? A multiple case study," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 14(3).
    7. Reinhard Prügl & Dinah Isabel Spitzley, 2021. "Responding to Digital Transformation by External Corporate Venturing: An Enterprising Family Identity and Communication Patterns Perspective," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(1), pages 135-164, January.
    8. Moreno Domínguez, María Jesús & Martín Zamora, María Pilar & Serrano Czaia, Isabel & Rodríguez Ariza, Lázaro, 2022. "Reputation and leadership: a study about reputational transfer in family and non-family firms," Cuadernos de Gestión, Universidad del País Vasco - Instituto de Economía Aplicada a la Empresa (IEAE).
    9. 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).
    10. Santiago, Andrea & Pandey, Shweta & Manalac, Ma. Theresa, 2019. "Family presence, family firm reputation and perceived financial performance: Empirical evidence from the Philippines," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 10(1), pages 49-56.

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