Networks in family business: a multi-rational approach

Seaman, Claire; McQuaid, Ronald; Pearson, Mike

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