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Trademark intensity and firm performance in family versus non-family firms: The role of organizational and knowledge capital

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  • Patel, Pankaj C.
  • De Massis, Alfredo

Abstract

This study investigates the differential effects of trademark intensity on firm performance between family and non-family firms, examining how distinct organizational configurations and management approaches influence performance outcomes. Drawing on resource-based view theory and socioemotional wealth insights, we analyze whether the relationship between trademark intensity and firm financial performance differs between family and non-family firms, as well as the effect of organizational capital and knowledge capital on this relationship. We analyze a sample of 753 firms from 2007 to 2017. Our results show that in family firms, higher trademark intensity is positively associated with firm performance, suggesting that organizational capital and knowledge capital have ameliorative effects in improving returns to trademark intensity for family firms as compared to non-family firms. These findings remain robust to various controls, including alternative family firm definitions and proximity to bankruptcy. This study advances our understanding of how family firms leverage intangible resources for competitive advantage and highlights the complex interplay between trademark strategies and other forms of intangible capital in the family firm context.

Suggested Citation

  • Patel, Pankaj C. & De Massis, Alfredo, 2025. "Trademark intensity and firm performance in family versus non-family firms: The role of organizational and knowledge capital," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:194:y:2025:i:c:s014829632500195x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115372
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