Family-driven innovation: Exploring the heterogeneity contingency factors of innovation strategy

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore the characteristics and behaviours that drive innovation in family firms, and how such idiosyncrasies affect their development of innovation strategies. Design/methodology/approach... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the characteristics and behaviours that drive innovation in family firms, and how such idiosyncrasies affect their development of innovation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using contingency theory as our theoretical lens, we investigate the relationship between family-driven innovation (FDI) and innovation strategies within four multi-generational family firms. The data collection consisted of 21 interviews, supplemented by a range of archival and observational data.

Findings

Our findings contribute to current FDI debates by exploring how innovation drivers within family businesses relate to their development of innovation strategies.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to emerging FDI research by addressing research calls regarding the relationship between three contingency factors and innovation strategies within family firms, and how this relationship is affected by how the idiosyncratic characteristics of the family firm drive innovation.

Practical implications

Our findings advance current understandings of the innovation paradox within family businesses.

Key words

family-driven innovation (FDI); innovation drivers; contingency theory; innovation strategy; family business