Organisational learning in family firms: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Organisational learning (OL) is a critical capability family firms (FFs) need in order to adapt to an increasingly turbulent environment. Given the uniqueness of FFs and their differentiated decision-making processes, this review addresses fragmentation in the literature and synthesises prior research outlining the development of OL in FFs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted using four databases, and 53 pertinent papers on OL in FFs published from 1998 to 2023 were analysed using the theory, characteristics, context and methodology (TCCM) framework.

Findings

The last five years (2019–2023) show a marked increase in interest in OL in FFs, with a rise in the number of quantitative studies. The findings indicate that OL is mainly studied as a unidimensional construct, while it is a multidimensional capability. Strategic management and organisational behaviour theories are commonly employed, while theories specific to family business such as socioemotional wealth (SEW) and familiness are underrepresented. Most studies focus on FFs in the Northern Hemisphere, and few studies examine OL in FFs located in the Global South. The TCCM framework reveals the complexity and multi-layered nature of OL in FFs.

Originality/value

This is one of the first systematic reviews to synthesise research on OL in FFs. The proposed research agenda identifies fruitful areas for future investigations concentrating on the multidimensional nature of OL, family-related outcomes, as well as contextual and methodological research directions of interest to family business researchers.