Research Framework

This Research Framework defines the scope of the Charity’s work and sets out the main areas of interest. These relate principally to the effects of family ownership on the operation of the business. The Charity’s research encompasses businesses of all sizes, and is focused on five main areas:

1. DEFINING AND CHARACTERIZING FAMILY BUSINESSES

Understanding family firm diversity and what makes them different from non-family owned firms – for example, identifying what makes family businesses different in terms of their purpose, values and goals; ownership and governance arrangements; and how they manage generational transitions.

 

2. THE EXPERIENCE OF BUSINESS FAMILIES

Understanding the experience of business families and the impact of different types of business family on the business(es) they control/own: for example, family governance and leadership; social dynamics of business families; the influence of family culture and history; diversity and heterogeneity among business families.

 

3. THE EFFECTS OF FAMILY OWNERSHIP ON THE BUSINESS

  • Understanding the effects of family ownership on governance, strategy, entrepreneurship, management and performance.

  • Identifying the factors that influence the success and long-term sustainability of family businesses, and developing evidence-based solutions to the challenges that they face.

 

4. THE IMPACT OF FAMILY BUSINESSES ON THE ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

Identifying and assessing the impact of family businesses on the economy and society.

5. THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY ON FAMILY BUSINESS

Analysing and evaluating how government policies affect family businesses.