IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/kap/asiapa/v42y2025i1d10.1007_s10490-023-09935-z.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Buddhist leaders and family firms’ acquisition behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Yuanyuan Gong

    (Okayama University)

  • Kent Ngan-Cheung Hui

    (Xiamen University)

Abstract

Family firms are generally reluctant to participate in acquisitions because of the aversion to socioemotional wealth loss. This work on family firms in China shows that in contrast to non-Buddhist counterparts, Buddhist family leaders are more likely to engage in acquisitions as their Buddhist beliefs mitigate their concerns about the loss of socioemotional wealth and promote a growth orientation. The positive relationship between Buddhist leaders and family firms’ acquisition, however, is attenuated by the influence of other family members and the next generation’s succession intentions toward keeping control over the business. Results based on two samples, a cross-sectional survey of 1,993 non-listed Chinese family firms in 2010 and panel data on 1,259 listed family firms in the years 2008 to 2015, largely supported the argument that Buddhist family leaders are more likely to engage in acquisitions toward firm growth in China despite some family resistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanyuan Gong & Kent Ngan-Cheung Hui, 2025. "Buddhist leaders and family firms’ acquisition behavior," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 455-479, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiapa:v:42:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10490-023-09935-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10490-023-09935-z
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10490-023-09935-z
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s10490-023-09935-z?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhao, Eric Yanfei & Lounsbury, Michael, 2016. "An institutional logics approach to social entrepreneurship: Market logic, religious diversity, and resource acquisition by microfinance organizations," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 643-662.
    2. Jun Xia & Xufei Ma & Jane W. Lu & Daphne W. Yiu, 2014. "Outward foreign direct investment by emerging market firms: A resource dependence logic," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(9), pages 1343-1363, September.
    3. Juan Ma & Tarun Khanna, 2016. "Independent directors' dissent on boards: Evidence from listed companies in China," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(8), pages 1547-1557, August.
    4. Stefano Pace, 2013. "Does Religion Affect the Materialism of Consumers? An Empirical Investigation of Buddhist Ethics and the Resistance of the Self," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 112(1), pages 25-46, January.
    5. Joan Marques, 2012. "Consciousness at Work: A Review of Some Important Values, Discussed from a Buddhist Perspective," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 105(1), pages 27-40, January.
    6. Joseph H. Astrachan & Claudia Binz Astrachan & Giovanna Campopiano & Massimo Baù, 2020. "Values, Spirituality and Religion: Family Business and the Roots of Sustainable Ethical Behavior," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 163(4), pages 637-645, May.
    7. Irene Chu & Mai Chi Vu, 2022. "The Nature of the Self, Self-regulation and Moral Action: Implications from the Confucian Relational Self and Buddhist Non-self," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 180(1), pages 245-262, September.
    8. Shen, Na & Su, Jun, 2017. "Religion and succession intention - Evidence from Chinese family firms," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 150-161.
    9. Zhiyang Liu & Zuhui Xu & Zhao Zhou & Yong Li, 2019. "Buddhist entrepreneurs and new venture performance: the mediating role of entrepreneurial risk-taking," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 52(3), pages 713-727, March.
    10. Zuhui Xu & Yi Tang & Zhiyang Liu, 2023. "Buddhist Entrepreneurs, Managerial Attention Allocation, and New Ventures' Access to External Resources," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(2), pages 454-494, March.
    11. Danny Miller & Isabelle Le Breton‐Miller & Richard H. Lester, 2011. "Family and Lone Founder Ownership and Strategic Behaviour: Social Context, Identity, and Institutional Logics," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1), pages 1-25, January.
    12. Chrisman, James J. & Chua, Jess H. & Litz, Reginald, 2003. "A unified systems perspective of family firm performance: an extension and integration," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 18(4), pages 467-472, July.
    13. Burton, Nicholas & Vu, Mai Chi & Cruz, Allan Discua, 2022. "Our social legacy will go on: Understanding outcomes of family SME succession through engaged Buddhism," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 105-118.
    14. Xingqiang Du & Wei Jian & Yingjie Du & Wentao Feng & Quan Zeng, 2014. "Religion, the Nature of Ultimate Owner, and Corporate Philanthropic Giving: Evidence from China," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 123(2), pages 235-256, August.
    15. Hilary, Gilles & Hui, Kai Wai, 2009. "Does religion matter in corporate decision making in America?," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(3), pages 455-473, September.
    16. Aki Tomizawa & Li Zhao & Geneviève Bassellier & David Ahlstrom, 2020. "Economic growth, innovation, institutions, and the Great Enrichment," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 37(1), pages 7-31, March.
    17. Sea-Jin Chang & Jungwook Shim, 2015. "When does transitioning from family to professional management improve firm performance?," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(9), pages 1297-1316, September.
    18. Liao, Guanmin & Chen, Xin & Jing, Xin & Sun, Jianfei, 2009. "Policy burdens, firm performance, and management turnover," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 15-28, March.
    19. Marleen Dieleman & Juliette Koning, 2020. "Articulating Values Through Identity Work: Advancing Family Business Ethics Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 163(4), pages 675-687, May.
    20. repec:bla:jfinan:v:58:y:2003:i:3:p:1301-1327 is not listed on IDEAS
    21. Laurence R. Iannaccone, 1998. "Corrigenda [Introduction to the Economics of Religion]," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 36(4), pages 1941-1941, December.
    22. Jiang, Fuxiu & Jiang, Zhan & Kim, Kenneth A. & Zhang, Min, 2015. "Family-firm risk-taking: Does religion matter?," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 260-278.
    23. Xingqiang Du, 2014. "Does Religion Mitigate Tunneling? Evidence from Chinese Buddhism," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 125(2), pages 299-327, December.
    24. Eddleston, Kimberly A. & Kellermanns, Franz W., 2007. "Destructive and productive family relationships: A stewardship theory perspective," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 22(4), pages 545-565, July.
    25. Thomas M. Zellweger & Franz W. Kellermanns & James J. Chrisman & Jess H. Chua, 2012. "Family Control and Family Firm Valuation by Family CEOs: The Importance of Intentions for Transgenerational Control," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(3), pages 851-868, June.
    26. Suzanne Chan-Serafin & Arthur P. Brief & Jennifer M. George, 2013. "PERSPECTIVE —How Does Religion Matter and Why? Religion and the Organizational Sciences," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 24(5), pages 1585-1600, October.
    27. Luis R. Gomez‐Mejia & Marianna Makri & Martin Larraza Kintana, 2010. "Diversification Decisions in Family‐Controlled Firms," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(2), pages 223-252, March.
    28. Michael H Morris, 2022. "Why It Is Not About Intentions," Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship (JDE), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 27(01), pages 1-3, March.
    29. Xingqiang Du & Wei Jian & Quan Zeng & Yingjie Du, 2014. "Corporate Environmental Responsibility in Polluting Industries: Does Religion Matter?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 124(3), pages 485-507, October.
    30. Michael Firth & Peter M. Y. Fung & Oliver M. Rui, 2006. "Firm Performance, Governance Structure, and Top Management Turnover in a Transitional Economy," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(6), pages 1289-1330, September.
    31. Ronald C. Anderson & David M. Reeb, 2003. "Founding‐Family Ownership and Firm Performance: Evidence from the S&P 500," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 58(3), pages 1301-1328, June.
    32. Danny Miller & Isabelle Le Breton‐Miller & Richard H. Lester, 2010. "Family ownership and acquisition behavior in publicly‐traded companies," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(2), pages 201-223, February.
    33. Etsuo Yoneyama, 2007. "Phenomenology of life, Zen and management," Post-Print hal-02311785, HAL.
    34. Laurence R. Iannaccone, 1998. "Introduction to the Economics of Religion," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 36(3), pages 1465-1495, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Kun Su, 2019. "Does religion benefit corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Evidence from China," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(6), pages 1206-1221, November.
    2. Fabian Ernst & David Bendig & Lea Puechel, 2024. "Religion in Family Firms: A Socioemotional Wealth Perspective on Top-Level Executives with Perceived Religiosity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 194(3), pages 707-730, October.
    3. Bąkiewicz Anna & Kasuma Jati & Hermawan Asep, 2022. "Family Business and Religion – Research Agenda," Journal of Intercultural Management, Sciendo, vol. 14(2), pages 4-40, December.
    4. Zuhui Xu & Zhiyang Liu & Jie Wu, 2022. "Buddhist entrepreneurs, charitable behaviors, and social entrepreneurship: evidence from China," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 59(3), pages 1197-1217, October.
    5. Wen Shi & Xiaogang Bi, 2023. "Buddhism and M&A performance: Evidence from China," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(4), pages 4505-4531, December.
    6. Sheng Yao & Weiwei Zhang, 2020. "Is Private Entrepreneurs’ Religiosity Conducive to Environmental Investment? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-17, February.
    7. Zuhui Xu & Yi Tang & Zhiyang Liu, 2023. "Buddhist Entrepreneurs, Managerial Attention Allocation, and New Ventures' Access to External Resources," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(2), pages 454-494, March.
    8. Yaoqin Li, 2021. "Religious founders and employee welfare," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 61(5), pages 6037-6067, December.
    9. Shen, Na & Su, Jun, 2017. "Religion and succession intention - Evidence from Chinese family firms," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 150-161.
    10. Li, Changhong & Xu, Yuan & Gill, Amarjit & Haider, Zulfiquer Ali & Wang, Yuan, 2019. "Religious beliefs, socially responsible investment, and cost of debt: Evidence from entrepreneurial firms in India," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 102-114.
    11. Dean Xu & Chuang Chen & Xiaohui Wu, 2019. "Ownership structure and the use of non-family executives in family-dominated Chinese listed firms: An institutional logics perspective," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 36(3), pages 797-820, September.
    12. Zhiyang Liu & Zuhui Xu & Zhao Zhou & Yong Li, 2019. "Buddhist entrepreneurs and new venture performance: the mediating role of entrepreneurial risk-taking," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 52(3), pages 713-727, March.
    13. Katrin Hussinger & Abdul-Basit Issah, 2019. "Firm Acquisitions by Family Firms: a Mixed Gamble Approach," DEM Discussion Paper Series 19-16, Department of Economics at the University of Luxembourg.
    14. Jiang, Yan & Wang, Jiaxin & Huang, Yibo, 2024. "Does religious atmosphere affect enterprise digital transformation? Evidence from China," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(PB).
    15. Mehdi Khodakarami & Hassan Yazdifar & Alireza Faraji Khaledi & Saeed Bagheri Kheirabadi & Amin Sarlak, 2024. "The Level of Islamic Religiosity of the Local Community and Corporate Environmental Responsibility Disclosure: Evidence from Iran," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 190(2), pages 483-512, March.
    16. Feng, Yuruo & Hao, Wei & Fang, Jiali & Wongchoti, Udomsak, 2024. "In the radiance of enlightenment: The influence of nontheistic religions on corporate default risk," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C).
    17. Mertzanis, Charilaos & Pavlopoulos, Athanasios & Vetsikas, Apostolos & Reppas, Dimitrios & Hamill, Philip A., 2023. "Religion and the financing of corporate investment around the world," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    18. Brahmana, Rayenda Khresna & You, Hui Wei, 2022. "Do Muslim CEOs and Muslim stakeholders prefer Islamic debt financing?," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 54(C).
    19. Gao, Lei & Wang, Ying & Zhao, Jing, 2017. "Does local religiosity affect organizational risk-taking? Evidence from the hedge fund industry," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 1-22.
    20. Kejing Chen & Wenqi Guo & Yanling Kang & Qingqing Wan, 2021. "Does religion improve corporate environmental responsibility? Evidence from China," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(2), pages 808-818, March.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:kap:asiapa:v:42:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10490-023-09935-z. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.