SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS 2021

The role of successors in the Innovation through tradition: first insights from a multiple case study

ELENA CASPRINI - JACOPO CAMMEO - NICCOLO’ FIORINI - TOMMASO PUCCI - LORENZO ZANNI

Objectives. The aim of this paper is to explore how the successors manage innovation through tradition strategy in case of a “smooth” (i.e. no critical events occurs) time of succession.

Methodology. We examined four Italian family firms operating in the furniture industry using a multiple case study analysis.

Findings. Our findings are twofold. First, although the current literature focuses its attention on the imprinting of the previous family generation, willingness and ability of the current generations seem to be important in developing the tradition through innovation strategy. Second, there are other sources beyond family tradition and territory, that play an important role as a source for innovation, as the “bottega”.

Research limits. Only four cases are analyzed.

Practical implications. Succession is a delicate issue for family firms. Especially in the case of traditional sectors, where the tradition and the craftmanship are important, understanding how successor manage the innovation of their firm is a crucial aspect.

Originality of the study. The paper links the ability-willingness paradox to the innovation through tradition streams of research.

#family business #innovation #succession