The promise of family business as an academic field in major research universities

Abstract

What is it that makes something become an academic field in a research university? To answer this, it helps to think of three kinds of knowledge. From a common sense point of view, there are three main types of knowledge: “Know how,” “know what,” and “know why.” “Know how” refers to when we can actually do something in practice. “Know what” refers to information, facts, numbers, categories, or descriptive statements of things that happen. “Know why” refers to understanding the causes of the things that happen. With “know how” I can ride a bicycle. With “know what” I can name different parts or types of bikes. With “know why” I know why the derailleur makes the gears adjust correctly, or why one material will give a bike more flexibility.

Citation

Miner, A.S. (2010), "The promise of family business as an academic field in major research universities", Stewart, A., Lumpkin, G.T. and Katz, J.A. (Ed.) Entrepreneurship and Family Business (Advances in Entrepreneurship, Firm Emergence and Growth, Vol. 12), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 323-336. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1074-7540(2010)0000012016