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Calibrating management control technologies and the dual identity of family firms

Author

Listed:
  • Tarek El Masri
  • Matthäus Tekathen
  • Michel Magnan
  • Emilio Boulianne

Abstract

Purpose - Family firms possess dual identities, being the family and the business, which can be segmented and integrated to various degrees. This study examines whether and how management control technologies are calibrated to fit into the dual identities of family firms. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative study of 20 family firms was conducted using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with owner-managers, drawings of mental maps and publicly available information. The notion of calibration was developed and used, with its three components of graduation, purpose and reference, as an organizing device for the interpretive understanding of the management control usage and its relation to family firms’ dual identities. Findings - The study finds that the use of calculative, family-centric and procedural management controls – in sum the pervasive use of management control technologies – are associated with a professionalization of the family firm, a foregrounding of the business identity and a reduction of the disadvantageous side of familiness. In comparison, the pragmatic and minimal use of management control technologies are found to be associated with an emphasis on family identity. It transpires as liberating, engendering trust and unfolding a familial environment. Research limitations/implications - Because results are derived from a qualitative approach, they are not generalizable at an empirical level. By showing how the use of management control technologies is calibrated with reference to family firms’ dual identities, the paper reveals the perceived potency of control technologies to affect the identity of firms. Practical implications - The study reveals how family firms perceive management control technologies as strengthening their business identity while weakening their family identity. Thereby, this study provides an account of how management control technologies are expected to change the identity of firms. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the management control and family business literatures because it uncovers how management control technologies are calibrated in reference to family firms’ dual identities. It shows that calculative, family-centric and procedural management controls are used to professionalize the firm and strengthen its business identity as well as to reduce the negative effects of the family identity. The paper also illustrates how the liberating force of using pragmatic and minimal control technologies can serve to give prominence to the family identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Tarek El Masri & Matthäus Tekathen & Michel Magnan & Emilio Boulianne, 2017. "Calibrating management control technologies and the dual identity of family firms," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 14(2), pages 157-188, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:eme:qrampp:qram-05-2016-0038
    DOI: 10.1108/QRAM-05-2016-0038
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Martin Quinn & Martin R. W. Hiebl & Ken Moores & Justin B. Craig, 2018. "Future research on management accounting and control in family firms: suggestions linked to architecture, governance, entrepreneurship and stewardship," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 28(4), pages 529-546, February.
    2. Andrea Dello Sbarba & Alessandro Marelli, 2018. "Family-controlled businesses and management control: the framing of “shareholder-oriented” practices," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 28(4), pages 417-456, February.
    3. Elisane Brandt & Márcia Zanievicz da Silva & Franciele Beck, 2021. "Influence of Family Culture on Enterprise Risk Management in Brazilian Companies," RAC - Revista de Administração Contemporânea (Journal of Contemporary Administration), ANPAD - Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração, vol. 25(6), pages 190082-1900.
    4. Martin R. W. Hiebl & Barbara Mayrleitner, 2019. "Professionalization of management accounting in family firms: the impact of family members," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 13(5), pages 1037-1068, November.

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