The Ability and Willingness Paradox in Family Firm Innovation

James J. Chrisman; Jess H. Chua; Alfredo De Massis; Federico Frattini; Mike Wright

doi:10.1111/jpim.12207

Abstract

We present a framework of how family involvement influences innovation management based on ability (discretion to act) and willingness (disposition to act), two drivers that distinguish family firms from nonfamily firms and lead to heterogeneity among family firms. Paradoxically, family firms have superior ability yet lower willingness to engage in technological innovation. Resolving this paradox should yield new insights about innovation management in general. We summarize and position the papers in this special issue according to these drivers and set out an agenda for further research that will contribute to a better understanding of family firms' heterogeneous and paradoxical behaviors.

Keywords

BusinessPosition (finance)Set (abstract data type)DiscretionFamily businessYield (engineering)MarketingIndustrial organizationFinance

Affiliated Institutions

Lancaster University GB

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Publication Info

Year: 2014
Type: article
Volume: 32
Issue: 3
Pages: 310-318
Citations: 519
Access: Closed

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APA Style

                            
                                
                                    James J. Chrisman, 
                                
                                    Jess H. Chua, 
                                
                                    Alfredo De Massis
                                
                                et al.
                            
                            (2014). 
                            The Ability and Willingness Paradox in Family Firm Innovation. 
                            Journal of Product Innovation Management
                            , 32
                            (3)
                            , 310-318.
                            https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12207
                        

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1111/jpim.12207