Research Framework
SCOPE OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S RESEARCH
The scope of the Family Business Research Foundation’s research is to analyse and understand family-owned businesses of all sizes, their impact on UK economy and society, and the challenges that they face. The charity’s research focuses on five main areas:
1. DEFINING AND CHARACTERISING 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
To understand 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.
Our research framework defines the scope of our research and sets out the main areas of interest. These relate principally to the relationship of family ownership on the operation of a company to show best practice and likely outcomes. We analyse the work already carried out in the relevant area and identify the fields where further research is necessary.