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Networks in family business: a multi-rational approach

Seaman, Claire; McQuaid, Ronald; Pearson, Mike

Authors

Claire Seaman

Ronald McQuaid

Mike Pearson



Abstract

Current research on networks in family businesses has approached the topic from a mono-rational perspective where the family, business and social networks are each considered in relative isolation. This paper argues that multi-rational approaches, which accept that the three groups of networks interact and overlap, offer a useful alternative perspective. In proposing the case for multiple rationalities as a framework within which family business networking can be viewed – and in putting forward an initial model – the paper allows the interaction of the different networks within the family business to be more fully acknowledged. Evidence from the literature is presented as a basis for further exploration using empirical approaches and it is emphasised that further and empirical approaches are required.

Citation

Seaman, C., McQuaid, R., & Pearson, M. (2014). Networks in family business: a multi-rational approach. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 10, 523-537. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-014-0297-4

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Feb 1, 2014
Publication Date 2014-09
Deposit Date Oct 6, 2014
Print ISSN 1554-7191
Electronic ISSN 1555-1938
Publisher BMC
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Pages 523-537
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-014-0297-4
Keywords Family businesses, Business families, Networking, Multi-rational
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/7186