Capturing the Familiness of Family Businesses: Development of the Family Influence Familiness Scale (FIFS). (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frank, Hermann; Kessler, Alexander; Rusch, Thomas; Suess–Reyes, Julia; Weismeier–Sammer, Daniela
• Is Part Of: Entrepreneurship theory and practice. Volume 41:Number 5(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 709
• Page End: 742
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Small business -- Periodicals; New business enterprises -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; 658.421
• DOI: 10.1111/etap.12229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-2587

Abstract

This article develops a familiness scale measuring the family influence on the business via decision premises that express familiness. In three studies, we examine familiness with qualitative and quantitative approaches based on new systems theory. Narrative interviews are employed to generate items. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses led to a multidimensional scale (Family Influence Familiness Scale [FIFS]) comprising six dimensions: (1) ownership, management, and control; (2) proficiency level of active family members; (3) sharing of information between active family members; (4) transgenerational orientation; (5) family–employee bond; and (6) family business identity. Results indicate high reliability and validity levels.