The Pursuit of Requisite Connectivity in Family Businesses

Abstract

Family businesses are a large part of the economy, with their continuous input towards creating jobs and establishing businesses, thus promoting economic development (e.g., Astrachan, Zahra, & Sharma, 2003). Recently, the field of family businesses has received considerable research attention. However, there remain gaps within the field (Sharma, 2006), which this research aims to address by examining the role of connectivity in family businesses. The term 'familiness' has been commonly used to describe the unique characteristics which arise within a family arrangement. This research will explore the concept of familiness within the family business model. Furthermore, connectivity is a relevant and developing area of enquiry among scholars (e.g. Kolb, 2008; Kolb, Collins & Lind, 2008). However, connectivity has not been examined within the context of a family business and this research aims to examine how family dynamics may enhance/reduce requisite connectivity in a family business environment. An exploratory case study methodology was employed, with a semi-structured data collection method. Themes were recognized through a thematic analysis. Findings suggest that requisite connectivity is an elusive term which would look different across a variety of family businesses. Family structure changes the levels of connectivity. Furthermore, this results in different attitudes within the family arrangement, with a generation gap identified as a recurring theme shaping attitudes to connectivity. Both hyper- and hypo-connectivity were identified, sometimes for the same individual in differing circumstances. Detrimental effects of nonoptimal connectivity were also identified, highlighting the importance of managing connectivity and the boundaries between personal and business life within the family business context.