David Pistrui

Family Business Research: The Evolution of an Academic Field

The establishment of a field of study or a discipline with academic or professional standing requires, among other things, a body of knowledge that expands understanding of that domain. This paper looks at the literature on establishing a unique field of study, reviews the foundational research in family business (1980s) and four recent years (1997-2001) of published family business research found in several outlets. We find that family business research is becoming increasingly sophisticated and rigorous. This bodes well for the development of an independent field for family business. Recommendations are offered to further the professionalization of family business as an academic and professional domain.

Islam, entrepreneurship and business values in the Middle East

Entrepreneurship has become a defining business trend around the world, especially in economies transitioning towards free market systems. The Middle East, specifically the Gulf Region is a growing, lucrative marketplace that has captured the interest of the world for political, economic and cultural reasons. This research explores the impact of Islam on the cultural, geo-political and economic dimensions which shape and influence entrepreneurship and private enterprise development in the Middle East.

The transgenerational family effect on new venture growth strategy

We examine family-based resiliencies and transgenerational phenomena in family business contexts and introduce the transgenerational family effect (TFE) construct. The TFE influences long-term strategy and culture in family-based entrepreneurial ventures. We clarify the boundaries of the construct based on evidence from 414 cases in the panel study of entrepreneurial dynamics. Then, we operationalise it with two-by-two permutations of family membership and strategic tradition. Finally, we develop and assess hypotheses about venture strategic vision, growth orientation and wealth orientation. Our findings suggest that the TFE promotes vision and wealth creation across generations in family businesses.

Entrepreneurial Expansion Plans: An Empirical Investigation of Infrastructure Predictors

Entrepreneurship and the development of new business continue to be the forefront of socioeconomic development in virtually all economies today. Despite evidence of increasing research into entrepreneurial growth, the existing research is limited by the fact that most studies define entrepreneurial growth as a unidimensional construct and operationalize it as “realized” growth relying on financially based measures. Consequently, this article has two objectives: (1) to develop a set of accurate and comprehensive entrepreneurial growth measures; and (2) to test a series of hypotheses regarding precursors of growth intentions‐more specifically, to what extent, infrastructure factors affect entrepreneurial growth intentions. These two questions were examined using Entrepreneurial Profile Questionnaire (EPQ) in the context of Romania. Results from factor analysis revealed refined patterns of entrepreneurial growth, including resource aggregation, market expansion, and technological improvement. The relationships between infrastructure and entrepreneurial growth were tested using a multiple regression model. Overall, it was posited that infrastructure is positively related to entrepreneurial growth. However, in most of the cases, the opposite proved to be true. These findings suggest that the Romanian entrepreneurs would pursue expansion plans in spite of the obstacles thrown into their path. Perhaps they have already developed strategies about overcoming those obstacles and in that process have developed the strength, ingenuity, and confidence to grow their new business ventures. Perhaps the many years that Romanians were confronted with numerous political and economical obstacles have prepared them to be much more flexible and adaptive.These counter-intuitive findings reflect on the hardiness and perseverance of the Romanian entrepreneurs.

Family contributions to entrepreneurial development in Lebanon

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to profile the characteristics, attributes and growth orientations of Lebanese entrepreneurs, including the relationships, roles, and contributions that family and culture make and play in the development of private small and medium‐sized enterprises.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on a sample of 112 entrepreneurs, psychographic motives, demographic attributes, and business activities are revealed. A series of 112 in‐depth personal interviews was conducted over a 12 month period between May 2006 and 2007. The entrepreneurial profile questionnaire (EPQ) was utilized as a data collection instrument. The EPQ was designed to survey the effect of individual, societal, and environmental factors on entrepreneurship and family business development by collecting a combination of demographic information and extensive detail related to characteristics and orientations.Findings – The findings suggest that entrepreneurs are motivated by the need for independence and flexibi...

ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDIVIDUAL DETERMINANTS OF ENREPRENEURIAL GROWTH: AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION

Entrepreneurial growth is predicted to be related to micro variables (motivations) and macro variables (infrastructure elements) but in a differential way. Infrastructure variables are tested as moderators in the motivation-growth relationship. Motivations are further categorized into intrinsic pull and extrinsic push factors. A rich sample of 405 recently-minted entrepreneurs in a privatizing economy (Romania) was surveyed. Results essentially confirmed the predictions, with motivations playing a larger role than anticipated. Implications were discussed for policymakers charged with the responsibilities of economic development through entrepreneurship.

Motives for Entrepreneurship: The Case of Lebanese Family Businesses

Family businesses are the engine that drives socioeconomic development and wealth creation around the world, and entrepreneurship is a key driver of family businesses. The ability to build and keep the business running over generations is a major element of family business continuity and is influential in strategic execution, innovation, and growth. Entrepreneurial family businesses are a primary source of job creation (Shanker & Astrachan, 1996) in market economies where resources are allocated via supply and demand. In Lebanon, family businesses constitute 85% of the private sector, accounting for 1.05 million of 1.24 million jobs (Fahed-Sreih, 2006). The family unit is usually the only intact institution capable of sustaining entrepreneurial activities in Lebanon following civil war.