Real Versus Sample-Based Differences in Comparative Family Business Research

Posted: 18 Nov 2009

See all articles by Ann Jorissen

Ann Jorissen

University of Antwerp - Department of Accounting & Finance

Eddy Laveren

University of Antwerp

R. Martens

University of Antwerp - Faculty of Applied Economics

Anne-Mie Reheul

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: 2005

Abstract

This study sheds light on the importance ofcontrolling for demographic differences in research comparing family andnonfamily businesses. Managers from 757 family and nonfamily firms, varying insize and industry, from the Flanders region of Belgium were surveyed on anumber of variables. Results show that often-cited differences between familyand nonfamily firms are not "real." Controlling for demographicfactors, family firms did not differ from nonfamily firms with regard tostrategy, networking, long-term planning and control practices, growth, andmanagement training. "Real" differences were identified with regard to export, formalshort-term planning systems, variable reward systems, and CEO characteristicssuch as age, education, tenure, and gender. Hence, family and nonfamily firmsof a certain size, age, and industry do not differ in some aspects, as waspreviously believed, and more management techniques and concepts are applicableto family firms than were previously assumed. (LKB)

Keywords: Non-family firms, Established firms, Family firms, Research methods, Demographics, Management techniques

Suggested Citation

Jorissen, Ann and Laveren, Eddy and Martens, Rudy and Reheul, Anne-Mie, Real Versus Sample-Based Differences in Comparative Family Business Research (2005). University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership Historical Research Reference in Entrepreneurship, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1508260

Ann Jorissen (Contact Author)

University of Antwerp - Department of Accounting & Finance ( email )

Prinsstraat 13
Antwerpen, B-2020
Belgium
00 32 3 220 40 92 (Phone)
00 32 3 220 40 64 (Fax)

Eddy Laveren

University of Antwerp ( email )

Faculty of Applied Economics
Prinsstraat 13
Antwerpen, 2000
Belgium
+32 3 220 4086 (Phone)
+32 3 220 4064 (Fax)

Rudy Martens

University of Antwerp - Faculty of Applied Economics ( email )

Prinsstraat 13
Antwerp, B-2000
Belgium

Anne-Mie Reheul

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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