Problematizing Socioemotional Wealth in Family Firms: A Systems-Theoretical Reframing

Rupert Hasenzagl, Isabella Hatak, Hermann Frank (Corresponding Author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    27 Citations (Scopus)
    259 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The concept of socioemotional wealth (SEW) seeks to present an independent paradigmatic basis for family-firm research, and in doing so aims to establish a sound basis for the scientific legitimacy of family-firm research. Establishing that legitimacy requires scholars to demonstrate that SEW is based on coherent assumptions on several theoretical levels. This paper uses the problematization methodology to challenge the coherence of the theoretical assumptions underpinning SEW and to advance theory development. The results of this problematization show that SEW is built on a theoretical level close to the object of research (in-house assumptions), but that more deeply-rooted theoretical levels (e.g. paradigmatic assumptions) are not sufficiently elaborated. Moreover, the original conceptualization is based on a positivist-mechanistic view, which hinders SEW reflecting the complex reality of family firms. Based on the results
    of this problematization, new systems theory is applied to reframe SEW’s theoretical grounding. Thereby the main contribution of the paper is a critical reflection on the theoretical underpinnings of SEW (in particular root-metaphor and paradigmatic assumptions), serving as the basis for advancing a coherent theoretical understanding of this important concept in family business research.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)199-223
    Number of pages25
    JournalEntrepreneurship & regional development
    Volume30
    Issue number1-2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

    Keywords

    • UT-Hybrid-D

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Problematizing Socioemotional Wealth in Family Firms: A Systems-Theoretical Reframing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this