Standing the test of time: understanding how long-living family firms make use of the past to preserve organizational identity. Issue 1 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferri, Priscila; Takahashi, Adriana R. W.
• Is Part Of: Management & organizational history. Volume 17:Issue 1/2(2022)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: History -- rhetorical history -- history-based strategy -- past -- tradition -- legacy -- heritage -- organizational identity -- family businesses -- case study; Organizational change -- History -- Periodicals; Management -- History -- Periodicals; 658.009
• DOI: 10.1080/17449359.2022.2078372
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-9359

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper, we discuss the historical dynamics that sustain organizational identity in long-living family firms. We do so through the analysis of the case of fifteen family-run restaurants located in São Paulo, Brazil. We discuss different modes of history use regarding identity preservation that fundament four main history-based strategies: Perpetuating family history; conserving the firm's identity as a family business; creating the sense of sharing a common past; and restoring traditions. These strategies seem to be specific of the organizational form investigated and contribute to advancing our understanding of rhetorical history in the context of family business.