Perceptions of knowledge sharing among small family firm leaders: a structural equation model.

Cunningham, James; Seaman, Claire; McGuire, David

Abstract

Small family firms have many unique relational qualities with implications for how knowledge is passed between individuals. Extant literature posits leadership approach as important in explaining differences in knowledge-sharing climate from one firm to another. This study investigates how leadership approaches interact with family influence to inform perceptions of knowledge sharing. We utilize survey data (n = 110) from owner-managers of knowledge-intensive small family firms in Scotland. Our findings present a choice in leadership intention, contrasting organization-focused participation against family-influenced guidance. Insight is offered on the implications of this leadership choice at both organizational and familial levels.

Citation

CUNNINGHAM, J., SEAMAN, C. and MCGUIRE, D. 2017. Perceptions of knowledge sharing among small family firm leaders: a structural equation model. Family business review [online], 30(2), pages 160-181. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0894486516682667

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 5, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Dec 28, 2016
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 13, 2017
• Journal: Family business review
• Print ISSN: 0894-4865
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-6248
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 160-181
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0894486516682667
• Keywords: Family firm leadership; Knowledge sharing; Path goal; Factor analysis; Family influence
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2383