Editorial note: Heterogeneity in management and governance in family firms

Abstract

Heterogeneity within family firms has emerged as a pivotal area of research interest. This special edition of The Journal of High Technology Management Research makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the diversity found within family-run enterprises, with a specific emphasis on the variances in governance and management structures.

In this introductory piece, the proposition is put forth that family governance, encompassing both ownership and management, alongside the decisions guiding governance practices, plays a pivotal role in driving diversity within family businesses. This exploration delves into multiple facets of heterogeneity within family firms. The subsequent content of this issue comprises four studies that illuminate the impact of governance on diverse aspects, including the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, innovation in products and processes, strategic maneuvers, and the distinctive governance structures prevalent in Latin American family businesses.

Furthermore, this discourse extends beyond the findings presented in these studies by delving into uncharted realms of research, focusing on the disparities evident in the contextual settings and governance mechanisms adopted by different family firms.