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Blending In While Standing Out: Selective Conformity and New Product Introduction in Family Firms

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  • Ambra Mazzelli
  • Josip Kotlar
  • Alfredo De Massis

Abstract

Research on the conformity-distinctiveness trade-off in family firms is divided. Examining the product innovations of Spanish manufacturing firms between 1998 and 2012, we hypothesize that family and nonfamily firms conform selectively and are driven by different motivations. Family firms align with their closest peers to avoid social losses while nonfamily firms conform to firms with different attributes to pursue social gains. Moreover, propensity to conform leads to more substantive organizational responses in family firms. We contribute to understanding how family firms navigate the conformity-distinctiveness trade-off, unveil the cognitive dimension of conformity, and address the puzzling evidence on family firm innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ambra Mazzelli & Josip Kotlar & Alfredo De Massis, 2018. "Blending In While Standing Out: Selective Conformity and New Product Introduction in Family Firms," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 42(2), pages 206-230, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:42:y:2018:i:2:p:206-230
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258717748651
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    5. Chua, Jess H. & Chrisman, James J. & De Massis, Alfredo & Wang, Hao, 2018. "Reflections on family firm goals and the assessment of performance," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 9(2), pages 107-113.
    6. Davila, Jessenia & Duran, Patricio & Gómez-Mejía, Luis & Sanchez-Bueno, Maria J., 2023. "Socioemotional wealth and family firm performance: A meta-analytic integration," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 14(2).
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    18. Chaudhary, Sanjay & Dhir, Amandeep & Ferraris, Alberto & Bertoldi, Bernando, 2021. "Trust and reputation in family businesses: A systematic literature review of past achievements and future promises," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 143-161.
    19. María J. Martínez-Romero & Julio Diéguez-Soto & Pieter Vandekerkhof, 2023. "Enlightening the influence of family TMT involvement on firm growth and degrowth rates," Eurasian Business Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 13(3), pages 581-610, September.
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