This paper examines intergenerational knowledge sharing within family firms in traditional industries. We position our analysis against the background of the knowledge-based view of the firm and utilize knowledge creation theory and perspectives on knowledge sharing behavior to analyse how knowledge is shared in an organization. We employ a multiple case study approach and use the New Zealand wine industry as the context of our analysis. Our study extends family business and knowledge sharing literature by challenging traditional views of incumbent-successor relationships. We reason that family business literature is sympathetic to the senior generation nurturing the next generation while leaving a gap in our understanding of how the next generation contributes knowledge to the firm. We suggest that the knowledge bases of the senior and next generation are different in terms of how they are generated and the relative weight of tacit and explicit knowledge they contain. We also argue that knowledge sharing in family firms is bidirectional leading to innovative outcomes and change.
We investigate how family winegrowing businesses can be sustained across generations. Design/methodology/approach We engaged a multi-level case study approach. Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with three winegrowing firms in New Zealand. All family members (both senior and next generation) employed in each business were interviewed alongside non-family employees. Findings Three key dimensions-knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial characteristics, and leadership attributes-were identified that can support successful successions in family winegrowing businesses. Originality/value We have generated theory that enables academics and practitioners to understand how family winegrowing businesses can be successfully sustained across generations. We argue that knowledge is a central feature in family firms where previous research combines knowledge with entrepreneurial orientation, or the resources and capabilities of a firm.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review family businesses as a subset of sustainable entrepreneurship. It is intended that another avenue of scholarship for the growing interest in family businesses and their continuity across generations will be outlined.
Design/methodology/approach
Relevant journal articles were selected and broadly analysed to gather an understanding of the current state of existing sustainable entrepreneurship literature. The main themes extrapolated related to sustainable entrepreneurship and potential directions for future research.
Findings
Although sustainable entrepreneurship has been traditionally concentrated in the environmental and social responsibility literature, there are emerging paths where family businesses can be considered alongside community-based enterprise.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that future research into sustaining family businesses across generations could be situated under sustainable entrepreneurship scholarship.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel review and summary of recent literature at the juncture of family business and sustainable entrepreneurship. It is useful for directing scholars towards an avenue which has not traditionally had attention from family business researchers.
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