A systematic examination of the family business contributions: is this domain a legitimate field of research?

Chelsea Sherlock, Erik Markin, R. Gabrielle Swab, Victoria Antin Yates

Research output: Contribution to journalSystematic reviewpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze family business research, which has experienced tremendous growth. Through this study’s categorization and evaluation of research, the authors illustrate the evolution of family business research in management, entrepreneurship and family business domains over the past decade. Design/methodology/approach: This study provides an interdisciplinary systematic review of family business literature between 2008 and 2022 to analyze the family business field. Following similar previous reviews (Chrisman et al., 2003; Debicki et al., 2009), this study’s final sample includes 1,443 studies, which the authors categorize into six broad topics and 21 subcategories of management topics. Findings: This study’s analysis reveals the field has grown nearly fivefold since 2007. As such, the authors examine the growth and decline of specific research topics. The authors also find in the past decade family business research has experienced rapid growth across a variety of outlets, signaling increasing reach, richness and legitimacy of the field. Originality/value: By reviewing and analyzing 1,443 family business articles, the results illustrate the evolution of family business research over the past decade and what this means for its future. Based on this study’s systematic review, the authors offer insights into the state of the field and propose avenues for future research so the field can continue to prosper.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)399-422
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Management History
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 22 2023

Keywords

  • Family business
  • Family business research topics
  • Field evolution
  • Systematic review

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