Von Mag. Johannes Thaller, Dr. Tanja Wolf und Univ.-Prof. Dr. Birgit Feldbauer-Durstmüller.

Abstract:

A defining characteristic of family firms (FFs) is the emphasis on a specific value-system, which serves as a reference point for expected social behaviour and practices. In line with previous studies, we assume that religious and secular beliefs influence the values in FFs and, subsequently, shape their most important managerial decisions. However, as our integrative literature review indicates, existing publications concentrate more on the impacts of values in FFs, but essentially neglect the origins and sources of these values. Consequently, we propose to conduct a qualitative-empirical study on the origins and sources of values in FFs, investigating how these might be affected by specific religious (Christian and Muslim) and secular beliefs. We want to draw on interviews with members of owner families from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). This comprehensive consideration of values constitutes a clear contribution to the extant literature, promising new implications for research and management practice.