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Entrepreneurial Team Diversity and Productivity: The Role of Family Relationships in Nascent Ventures

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  • Eun-Jeong Ko
  • Johan Wiklund
  • Jeffrey M. Pollack

Abstract

In this study, we examine how team diversity contributes to team productivity in nascent ventures depending on family relations. Specifically, we explore how bio-demographic diversity influences team productivity using data from a panel of 285 nascent venture teams over 5 years. Results suggest that age and gender diversity have negative impacts on team productivity, but that family relationships positively moderate these effects. To explain the phenomena, we relied on social identity theory and the discussion of the identity confirmation process. Through this novel theoretical framework, we describe how identity confirmation, through identification with a collective (i.e., family), and cross-categorization of family roles mitigate the negative impact of bio-demographic diversity. Our findings provide valuable insights to scholars interested in bio-demographic team diversity, family relationships, and the new venture creation process.

Suggested Citation

  • Eun-Jeong Ko & Johan Wiklund & Jeffrey M. Pollack, 2021. "Entrepreneurial Team Diversity and Productivity: The Role of Family Relationships in Nascent Ventures," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 45(2), pages 386-417, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:45:y:2021:i:2:p:386-417
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258720902058
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    Cited by:

    1. Alexander S. Kier & Jeffery S. McMullen & Donald F. Kuratko, 2022. "How Venture Team Recommendations Influence Undue Entrepreneurial Persistence: The Impact of Self-Regulation and Experience," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 46(6), pages 1812-1842, November.
    2. Eric R. Kushins & Myriam Quispe-Agnoli, 2025. "Cultural reproduction or cultural repertoire: women leaders, legitimacy and performance in family and nonfamily firms," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 5(9), pages 1-23, September.
    3. Hwei-Lin Chuang & Yang Zhao & Tingting Zhu, 2025. "Entrepreneurial teams and gender roles: evidence from equity crowdfunding achievement," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 65(1), pages 287-314, June.
    4. Kim, Sung Min & Uygur, Uğur, 2025. "Cognitive origins of entrepreneurial action: How venture-specific knowledge drives financial investments," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 40(6).
    5. Sundermeier, Janina & Mahlert, Natalie, 2023. "Entrepreneurial team diversity – A systematic review and research agenda," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 972-984.
    6. Sohrab Soleimanof & Seyyede Sharare Bagherian & Seyedeh Fatemeh Anvari & G. Tyge Payne & Alireza Feyzbakhsh, 2026. "Mapping the Field of Nascent Entrepreneurship: A PSED-Based Review and Research Agenda," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 50(1), pages 21-80, January.
    7. Matricano, Diego, 2024. "Designing effective policies for innovative start-ups: Lessons learned in Italy," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 22(C).

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