Family Business Performance: A Perspective on Family Influence

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between family influence, measured through power, experience and culture (F-PEC) and family business (FB) performance. Performance is measured from a financial and non-financial perspective. 

Design/methodology/approach – Empirical study using the quantitative method and data collected through a questionnaire, answered by 169 Portuguese family firms. The survey design was based on prior research of FB performance and the F-PEC questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression models are used. 

Findings – The results indicate a negative relationship between experience and financial performance, a positive association between a culture of family commitment and performance (financial and non-economic goals), and a positive relationship between a culture of family values and non-economic goals. The results show the importance of agreement between the firm and the family goals. Family influence on FB performance cannot be seen only from a positive (stewardship theory) or a negative (agency theory) perspective.  

Originality/value – Commitment increases financial performance and the achievement of non-economic goals (perpetuity and family assets). It is important to study how a culture of commitment leads to superior performance.