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Predictors of Later–Generation Family Members’ Commitment to Family Enterprises

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Dawson
  • Pramodita Sharma
  • P. Gregory Irving
  • Joel Marcus
  • Francesco Chirico

Abstract

This study examines the antecedents of different bases of organizational commitment and intention to stay of later–generation family members who are currently working in their family firm. Evidence from 199 Canadian and Swiss firms indicates that when these individuals’ identity and career interests are aligned with their family enterprise, they experience affective commitment. Family expectations are associated with normative commitment. Individuals who are concerned about losing inherited financial wealth or who perceive a lack of alternative career paths stay with the family enterprise because of continuance commitment. Finally, individuals driven by desire or obligation exhibit low turnover intentions.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Dawson & Pramodita Sharma & P. Gregory Irving & Joel Marcus & Francesco Chirico, 2015. "Predictors of Later–Generation Family Members’ Commitment to Family Enterprises," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 39(3), pages 545-569, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:39:y:2015:i:3:p:545-569
    DOI: 10.1111/etap.12052
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabay-Mariani, Laetitia & Paillé, Pascal & Valéau, Patrick, 2023. "The long-term persistence among nascent entrepreneurs: An fsQCA analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Valéau, Patrick & Gabay-Mariani, Laetitia & Paillé, Pascal, 2024. "How initial and long-term commitment profiles shape entrepreneurial persistence over time," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    3. Patrick Raymund James M. Garcia & Pramodita Sharma & Alfredo De Massis & Mike Wright & Louise Scholes, 2019. "Perceived Parental Behaviors and Next-Generation Engagement in Family Firms: A Social Cognitive Perspective," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 43(2), pages 224-243, March.
    4. Hahn, Davide & Spitzley, Dinah Isabel & Brumana, Mara & Ruzzene, Attilia & Bechthold, Laura & Prügl, Reinhard & Minola, Tommaso, 2021. "Founding or succeeding? Exploring how family embeddedness shapes the entrepreneurial intentions of the next generation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 173(C).
    5. Kandade, Kiran & Samara, Georges & Parada, Maria José & Dawson, Alexandra, 2021. "From family successors to successful business leaders: A qualitative study of how high-quality relationships develop in family businesses," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 12(2).
    6. 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).
    7. Ren, Ting & Liu, Xin & Ding, Jinqiong, 2023. "Intergenerational dynamics of digital transformation in family firms," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    8. Stewart, Alex, 2020. "Family control, ambivalence, and preferential benefits," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 11(4).

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