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The distinctiveness of family-firm intangibles: A review and suggestions for future research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Jolien Huybrechts ,
Wim Voordeckers ,
Nadine Lybaert  and
Sigrid Vandemaele
Jolien Huybrechts
Affiliation:
KIZOK – Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Wim Voordeckers
Affiliation:
KIZOK – Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Nadine Lybaert
Affiliation:
KIZOK – Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Sigrid Vandemaele
Affiliation:
KIZOK – Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Abstract

We review the theoretical and empirical literature on the resource-based view in the context of family businesses using a framework of intangible resources. This approach allows us to structure the present research on value-adding resources in family firms into four clearly distinct groups – organizational culture, reputation, human capital and networks – and provides us with the opportunity to examine the interactions of these intangible resources. We use these relationships to offer a future research agenda that is focused on the creation of competitive advantage through the combination and recombination of these resources.

Keywords

family business researchresource-based viewintangiblesorganizational culturereputationhuman capitalnetworks
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , March 2011 , pp. 268 - 287
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2011

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