Current research

Our research agenda is very active and varied. It involves not only a number of research projects, but also the development of theory and novel methodologies in the field of family business.

The LIFBRI programme was launched with an original survey of 155 UK family firms. This survey was conducted in association with the Institute for Family Business . This work provides an analysis of current challenges facing a wide spectrum of family firms. It will form the basis for future study to identify aspects of family firm culture and leadership, by longitudinal, survey and case study methods.

Support for our research continues to be offered by the IFB. Our research projects are described below:

• The next generation in family firms

• Family Climate Scales - a psychometric tool for use in family firms

• CLRs - Critical Leader Relationships

• Family Business Leadership Inquiry

• Case studies of family firms

• The role of advisors in family firms

• Leadership in Asian UK family businesses

The next generation in family firms

Our latest book is called "Ready willing and able?" and addresses issues faced by the next generation in Family Businesses. The project was supported by the IFB and BDO Centre for Family Business. We are building on the qualitative findings of this work for our latest research, an international survey investigating the bond between the next generation and the family business.

Family Climate Scales

The Family Climate Scales is a psychometric device that aims to describe family climate and dynamics. Its uses are manifold - for instance, it can be applied in family firms as a developmental or research tool. The first stage of validation of this measure has been completed, and a paper has recently been accepted by Family Business Review. This measure has both theoretical and practical importance for family businesses and researchers in the field, since it taps into the family component of the family business system. Please get in touch with us if you want to know more or use this tool in your research or consultancy. Supported by the ESRC.

CLRs - Critical Leader Relationships

We intend to capture a theme that is neglected in the literature on leadership, yet which is familiar in the field of family business as a phenomenon of great significance: shared leadership. There is no dedicated literature on the subject, and the concept is unfamiliar to most non-family firms. 

Family Business Leadership

In spring 2005, we invited leaders from eight prominent family firms in the UK to a series of roundtable discussions on family business leadership. The findings are published in a book: 'Family Business Leadership Inquiry' (see image on right side of the screen). Supported by the IFB and BDO Centre for Family Business.

Case studies of family firms

We are currently gathering both longitudinal and short-term data for the creation of thematic case studies.

The role of advisors in family firms

Conducted in association with the Family Firm Institute (FFI), this project is a world-wide web-based survey describing family firm advisors, their client firms and the typical challenges faced by family firms seen through the eyes of the advisors. In association with the Family Firm Institute.

This pilot project conducted in collaboration with Dr. Manfusa Shams at the Open University England replicates the original LIFBRI survey, yet also focuses on specific cultural aspects of Asian firms in the UK. download a brief summary of the results: Shams_AFB_summary_website.pdf_25KB.