Does transitioning from family to non-family controlled firm influence internationalization?
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 29 June 2017
Issue publication date: 30 October 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the internationalization of family firms, exploring specifically if the transition from family control to non-family control (losing family managerial influence) affects a firm’s export activity.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on panel data for Spanish firms from 2006 to 2012, a random effect tobit and probit regression and a propensity score matching were run on a sample of 225 firms moving from family to non-family control (switchers) matched with 4,213 firms remaining under family control (non-switchers).
Findings
Although from a static viewpoint family controlled firms export less than their non-family counterparts, from a dynamic perspective family firms remaining under family control (non-switchers) are associated with a fall in export activity in comparison with family firms transitioning to non-family control (switchers). Both findings are related back to the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study shed light on the trade-offs that family firms experience in order to balance their desire to increase their internationalization (and the risk associated with it) and their wish to maintain SEW.
Practical implications
The findings should encourage family owners and managers to take long-term strategic decisions leading to internationalization which, although risky, will prevent subsequent loss of SEW in terms of family control.
Originality/value
This work provides evidence concerning family firms’ willingness to undertake risky activities, such as internationalization, considering the threats to their wealth.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Financial support from the Research Program of Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain (Project ECO2014-54301-P) and Fundación Cajamurcia is acknowledged.
Citation
Monreal-Pérez, J. and Sánchez-Marín, G. (2017), "Does transitioning from family to non-family controlled firm influence internationalization?", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 775-792. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-02-2017-0029
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited