How can family winegrowing businesses be sustained across generations?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how family winegrowing businesses can be sustained across generations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors engaged a multi-level case study approach. In total, 27 semi-structured interviews were conducted with three winegrowing firms in New Zealand. All family members (both senior and next generation) employed in each business were interviewed alongside non-family employees.

Findings

Three key dimensions – knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial characteristics and leadership attributes – were identified that can support successful successions in family winegrowing businesses.

Originality/value

The authors have generated a theory that enables academicians and practitioners to understand how family winegrowing businesses can be successfully sustained across generations. The authors argue that knowledge is a central feature in family firms where previous research combines knowledge with entrepreneurial orientation or the resources and capabilities of a firm.

Citation

Woodfield, P.J., Shepherd, D. and Woods, C. (2017), "How can family winegrowing businesses be sustained across generations?", International Journal of Wine Business Research, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 122-139. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWBR-12-2015-0052