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Strategic intangibles in small family firms: The mediating role of innovativeness in resource-constrained environments

Author

Listed:
  • Syed Amjad Hussain

    (University of Central Punjab)

  • Salman Iqbal

    (University of Central Punjab)

  • Vladimir Bures

    (University of Hradec Králové)

  • Abdul Waheed

    (University of Central Punjab)

  • Alzbeta Docekalova

    (University of Hradec Králové)

  • Marek Zanker

    (University of Hradec Králové)

Abstract

This study addresses a critical gap in the literature by examining how family-based brand identity and entrepreneurial orientation (specifically, proactiveness and risk taking) influence the performance of small family firms operating in emerging markets. Grounded in the resource-based view (RBV), these constructs are conceptualized as strategic intangible resources that underpin competitive advantage. A cross-sectional survey of 460 privately held small family firms in Pakistan was conducted, using validated scales for family-based brand identity, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions, innovativeness, and performance. Following a pilot test, the data underwent confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS 24.0 to assess direct and mediating relationships. The findings reveal that cultivating a family-based brand identity and entrepreneurial orientation significantly contributes to improved firm performance by recognizing the family as the brand and EO as family firm resources via the RBV, by assessing their impact on performance, and by mediating the effect of innovativeness. The study extends RBV theory through the identification of family-based brand identity and EO as firm-specific resources in small family firms and demonstrates innovativeness as a mediator.

Suggested Citation

  • Syed Amjad Hussain & Salman Iqbal & Vladimir Bures & Abdul Waheed & Alzbeta Docekalova & Marek Zanker, 2026. "Strategic intangibles in small family firms: The mediating role of innovativeness in resource-constrained environments," E&M Economics and Management, Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Economics, vol. 29(2), pages 124-140, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bbl:journl:v:29:y:2026:i:2:p:124-140
    DOI: 10.15240/tul/001/2026-2-009
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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