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The Ability and Willingness Paradox in Family Firm Innovation
Author(s) -
Chrisman James J.,
Chua Jess H.,
De Massis Alfredo,
Frattini Federico,
Wright Mike
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of product innovation management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1540-5885
pISSN - 0737-6782
DOI - 10.1111/jpim.12207
Subject(s) - business , position (finance) , set (abstract data type) , discretion , family business , yield (engineering) , marketing , industrial organization , finance , materials science , computer science , political science , law , metallurgy , programming language
We present a framework of how family involvement influences innovation management based on ability (discretion to act) and willingness (disposition to act), two drivers that distinguish family firms from nonfamily firms and lead to heterogeneity among family firms. Paradoxically, family firms have superior ability yet lower willingness to engage in technological innovation. Resolving this paradox should yield new insights about innovation management in general. We summarize and position the papers in this special issue according to these drivers and set out an agenda for further research that will contribute to a better understanding of family firms' heterogeneous and paradoxical behaviors.