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The determinants of family firms' subcontracting: A transaction cost perspective

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  • Memili, Esra
  • Chrisman, James J.
  • Chua, Jess H.
  • Chang, Erick P.C.
  • Kellermanns, Franz W.

Abstract

In this article we compare the governance choices of family and non-family firms regarding their subcontracting tendencies. Based on transaction cost theory, we argue that family firms are less likely to engage in subcontracting than non-family firms and that kinship ties, the extent to which a family firm's production activities are important, and cost minimization concerns influence the extent to which family firms utilize subcontractors. Using a sample of small, established firms, we find support for our hypotheses as well as for the use of transaction cost theory logic to explain family firm behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Memili, Esra & Chrisman, James J. & Chua, Jess H. & Chang, Erick P.C. & Kellermanns, Franz W., 2011. "The determinants of family firms' subcontracting: A transaction cost perspective," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 2(1), pages 26-33, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:fambus:v:2:y:2011:i:1:p:26-33
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    2. Samara, Georges & Arenas, Daniel, 2017. "Practicing fairness in the family business workplace," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 60(5), pages 647-655.
    3. Acquaah, Moses, 2013. "Management control systems, business strategy and performance: A comparative analysis of family and non-family businesses in a transition economy in sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 4(2), pages 131-146.
    4. Landry, Suzanne & Fortin, Anne & Callimaci, Antonello, 2013. "Family firms and the lease decision," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 4(3), pages 176-187.
    5. Pittino, Daniel & Visintin, Francesca, 2011. "The propensity toward inter-organizational cooperation in small- and medium-sized family businesses," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 2(2), pages 57-68, June.
    6. Hsien-Chang Kuo & Lie-Huey Wang, 2015. "Do Network Linkages affect Financial Leverage ? A Group Governance Perspective," Journal for Economic Forecasting, Institute for Economic Forecasting, vol. 0(4), pages 50-69, December.
    7. Dawson, Alexandra, 2012. "Human capital in family businesses: Focusing on the individual level," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 3(1), pages 3-11.
    8. Giovanni Bronzetti & Romilda Mazzotta, 2015. "Business succession and Intellectual Capital Management in family firms," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2015(1), pages 45-72.
    9. Hanisch, David N. & Rau, Sabine B., 2014. "Application of metric conjoint analysis in family business research," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 5(1), pages 72-84.

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