The Palgrave Handbook of Heterogeneity among Family Firms

This handbook is the definitive source of research on the differences among family firms. It provides a timely and thorough investigation of the variant strategies and behaviors undertaken by family firms today, taking a closer look at different configurations of family involvement and how they influence outcomes and success. While studies on differences between family and non-family firms are deeply rooted in the literature, this handbook uniquely examines the family firm heterogeneity research to date and the inner firm governance, financial and non-financial objectives, and strategies such as innovation, competitive dynamics, internationalization, and human resources management.

The handbook pulls together the work of the most prominent names in family business from around the world, separating itself from the competition both in content and geographical scope.  Future research directions provided in each chapter will spark further interdisciplinary scholarly work, and will be enlightening for researchers, educators, and practitioners who are currently limited to the narrow and exclusive literature and advance the burgeoning research on this important topic.

"This timely book addresses family firm heterogeneity. The editors have assembled an outstanding group of scholars with diverse research perspectives to address the different facets of this heterogeneity. The book is destined to be a great resource, offering rich insights into issues to study and how to study them. I compliment the editors on a great contribution to family firm research." (Shaker A Zahra, Robert Buuck Chair, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota)

"Their heterogeneity is one of the most astounding characteristics of family firms, which poses an important challenge for researchers. The book thus addresses a highly relevant topic and represents an essential stepping stone for our understanding of this type of organization. It combines a superb compilation of both novel ideas and in-depth reviews of existing work. This book will become an essential resource for family business researchers for years to come." (Thomas Zellweger, Chair of Family Business, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland)

“The motivating research question for family business scholars has traditionally concentrated on how family businesses are different from non-family businesses. This view treats family businesses as a homogenous type of business. In this refreshing new volume, which explicitly recognizes the heterogeneity of family businesses, Memili and Dibrell focus instead on how family businesses are similar or different from each other. Building on the work of renowned family business and entrepreneurship scholars, the editors contribute to the conversation by providing original thinking and source material which opens new avenues for scholarly inquiry.” (Tom Lumpkin, C. S. Trosper Chair and Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at the University of Oklahoma, USA)

Esra Memili is Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Dean’s Notable Scholar at the Bryan School of Business and Economics at University of North Carolina-Greensboro, USA. She is Associate Editor of Journal of Family Business Strategy.

Clay Dibrell is Professor of Management and holder of the William Gresham, Jr., Entrepreneurial Professorship at The University of Mississippi, USA.  He is Associate Editor for the Journal of Family Business Strategy.