Organisational learning in family firms: A systematic review

Thomas Moser; Margarietha J de Villiers Scheepers; Saskia de Klerk

doi:10.1108/JFBM-06-2024-0131

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Organisational learning in family firms: A systematic review

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Organisational learning in family firms: A systematic review

Thomas Moser, Margarietha J de Villiers Scheepers and Saskia de Klerk

Journal of Family Business Management, Vol.15(3), pp.534-566

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-06-2024-0131

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Abstract

Innovation management

Organisational behaviour

Management and productivity

Organisational learning

Family business

Systematic literature review

TCCM framework

Purpose Organisational learning (OL) is a critical capability family firms (FFs) need in order to adapt to an increasingly turbulent environment. Given the uniqueness of FFs and their differentiated decision-making processes, this review addresses fragmentation in the literature and synthesises prior research outlining the development of OL in FFs. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted using four databases, and 53 pertinent papers on OL in FFs published from 1998 to 2023 were analysed using the theory, characteristics, context and methodology (TCCM) framework. Findings The last five years (2019–2023) show a marked increase in interest in OL in FFs, with a rise in the number of quantitative studies. The findings indicate that OL is mainly studied as a unidimensional construct, while it is a multidimensional capability. Strategic management and organisational behaviour theories are commonly employed, while theories specific to family business such as socioemotional wealth (SEW) and familiness are underrepresented. Most studies focus on FFs in the Northern Hemisphere, and few studies examine OL in FFs located in the Global South. The TCCM framework reveals the complexity and multi-layered nature of OL in FFs. Originality/value This is one of the first systematic reviews to synthesise research on OL in FFs. The proposed research agenda identifies fruitful areas for future investigations concentrating on the multidimensional nature of OL, family-related outcomes, as well as contextual and methodological research directions of interest to family business researchers.

Details

Title: Organisational learning in family firms: A systematic review
Authors: Thomas Moser (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
Margarietha J de Villiers Scheepers (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
Saskia de Klerk (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
Publication details: Journal of Family Business Management, Vol.15(3), pp.534-566
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1108/JFBM-06-2024-0131
ISSN: 2043-6246; 2043-6238
Organisation Unit: School of Business and Creative Industries; Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991052797002621
Output Type: Journal article

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