Durability of companies over time, thanks to maintenance of balanced economic conditions and an unchanging capacity of competing in the markets, constitutes one of the prior objectives of capitalistic socio-economic systems. In this paper we collected results from the first phase of a research, aimed at investigating how the management of repeated entrepreneurial succession processes influences the longevity of family SMEs through the strengthening of their distinctive competences. This research is characterized by the use of a qualitative method consisting in a longitudinal analysis of multiple cases (six Italian family SMEs which have been in existence for more than a century). Our purpose, in this phase, is primarily to give cognitive and interpretative results with possible theoretical and practical implications. From a theoretical standpoint we propose to strengthen the area of study that shows a link be-tween the process of entrepreneurial succession and the evolutionary dynamics of the firm’s dis-tinctive competence; and to highlight the possible connections between various organisational features and the characteristic of longevity. Regarding the former point we feel it is necessary to pass from one vision, that considers as a priority the transfer of original company-competence from generation to generation, to a balanced perspective which monitors integration between the stock of competence accumulated over the years and the development of new competence, in re-lation to changed environmental conditions. Furthermore, we hold that the results of the investigation can have relevant implications both upon a managerial framework and upon the framework of public policy elaboration. In fact re-flection upon the causes of longevity can, on the one hand, constitute a precious input for manag-ers and consultants involved in orienting development tracks for newer companies. On the other hand it is potentially capable of offering public policy indications with the aim of replicating eventual context conditions.
Entrepreneurial generations and re-generation of competence
BONTI, MARIACRISTINA;
2011-01-01
Abstract
Durability of companies over time, thanks to maintenance of balanced economic conditions and an unchanging capacity of competing in the markets, constitutes one of the prior objectives of capitalistic socio-economic systems. In this paper we collected results from the first phase of a research, aimed at investigating how the management of repeated entrepreneurial succession processes influences the longevity of family SMEs through the strengthening of their distinctive competences. This research is characterized by the use of a qualitative method consisting in a longitudinal analysis of multiple cases (six Italian family SMEs which have been in existence for more than a century). Our purpose, in this phase, is primarily to give cognitive and interpretative results with possible theoretical and practical implications. From a theoretical standpoint we propose to strengthen the area of study that shows a link be-tween the process of entrepreneurial succession and the evolutionary dynamics of the firm’s dis-tinctive competence; and to highlight the possible connections between various organisational features and the characteristic of longevity. Regarding the former point we feel it is necessary to pass from one vision, that considers as a priority the transfer of original company-competence from generation to generation, to a balanced perspective which monitors integration between the stock of competence accumulated over the years and the development of new competence, in re-lation to changed environmental conditions. Furthermore, we hold that the results of the investigation can have relevant implications both upon a managerial framework and upon the framework of public policy elaboration. In fact re-flection upon the causes of longevity can, on the one hand, constitute a precious input for manag-ers and consultants involved in orienting development tracks for newer companies. On the other hand it is potentially capable of offering public policy indications with the aim of replicating eventual context conditions.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
