Mémoire (M.P.M.O.)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1990. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Following the growing emphasis on the monitoring role of independent directors in the board of directors in the stock exchanges of Western developed countries, companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are required to appoint independent non-executive directors (INEDs) representing at least one-third of their boards under the Listing Rules. Unlike those Western developed capital markets where listed companies are widely held, most listed companies in Hong Kong are controlled and managed by families. This means realistically, INEDs of those family-controlled listed companies can only be appointed to the boards with the support from the controlling owners. Under such circumstances, the INEDs' ability to monitor the performance of the management of those companies independently is put in doubt. This thesis intends to conduct a qualitative study using phenomenological approach to explore and understand the role and effectiveness of INEDs in family-controlled listed companies in Hong Kong based on the INEDs' lived experiences. The study is the first of its kind in the Hong Kong corporate governance research arena, as research studies on corporate boards and directors have often adopted a quantitative approach, using only publicly available archival data without in-depth discussions with the subjects on their real experience and views on their jobs. Accordingly, issues related to directors in family-controlled listed companies that require in-depth discussions with these directors are impossible to be addressed by such research approach. Through semi-structured interviews with INEDs of companies listed in Hong Kong, this thesis has contributed to the existing knowledge and literature in the research on INEDs and corporate governance in family businesses and provide useful hints and ideas to practitioners, listed companies, investors, regulators and policy-makers.

A troca de comando é um desafio para as empresas familiares que buscam a sobrevivência da empresa em longo prazo. O processo de sucessão é também o período de convivência entre predecessores e sucessores para o compartilhamento de conhecimento a fim de garantir que conhecimentos valiosos sobre o negócio se mantenham na organização, para que assim a troca do comando não afete o desempenho e eficiência da empresa. Dada a relevância do conhecimento no processo de sucessão de empresas familiares, destaca-se atividade de exploração de conhecimento, realizadas individualmente, mas também no compartilhamento de conhecimento entre predecessores e sucessores. A exploração de conhecimento pode acontecer por meio das atividades de exploitation, quando refere-se aos novos usos e combinações do conhecimento existente para atingir as metas de curto prazo, ou por meio das atividades de exploration, quando refere-se à busca por novos conhecimentos, desconhecidos e muitas vezes incertos. Por isso, as atividades de exploração de conhecimento se relacionam às características individuais na relação com demais membros da família, na rotina da organização. Fatores referentes à motivação e ao envolvimento do indivíduo com o negócio familiar podem ter influência em como tais atividades são realizadas na organização. Neste aspecto, estudos apontam as bases do comprometimento dos membros envolvidos no processo de sucessão como um aspecto crítico na sucessão. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a relação entre o comprometimento e as atividades de exploration e exploitation de conhecimento dos sujeitos envolvidos no processo de sucessão de empresas familiares. A abordagem adotada para a pesquisa foi a de métodos mistos com estratégia sequencial explanatória, sendo que incialmente coletou-se a analisou-se dados quantitativos. A partir dos achados quantitativos procedeu-se a segunda fase da pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa com o objetivo de aprofundar os resultados da pesquisa quantitativa. A pesquisa foi aplicada na Federação das Câmaras de Dirigentes Lojistas do Rio Grande do Sul (FCDL-RS) considerando empresas familiares do Rio Grande do Sul envolvidas em processos sucessórios. Participaram da etapa quantitativa 303 associados e 10 associados participaram da etapa qualitativa. Os resultados indicaram que no nível individual de análise os respondentes realizam de forma ambidestra, ambas as atividades, exploration e exploitation. Já no nível do compartilhamento de conhecimento entre sucessores e predecessores, a ambidestria não foi identificada. Ao relacionar as atividades de exploration e exploitation de conhecimento individuais e no compartilhamento com o comprometimento, identificou-se relações positivas e negativas. A relação positiva foi percebida entre o comprometimento afetivo na dimensão referente à lealdade dos indivíduos ao negocio da família e as atividades de exploitation no compartilhamento e combinação de conhecimentos. Por outro lado, foram identificadas relações negativas entre o comprometimento de continuidade e afetivo, na dimensão referente ao desejo em permanecer na empresa e as atividades de exploration no compartilhamento para a criação de novos conhecimentos. O resultado da pesquisa indica que, ao discutir as atividades de exploration, exploitation e ambidestria de conhecimento o nível de análise e o contexto da pesquisa podem influenciar nos resultados do estudo. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2016-12-02T13:24:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Fernanda Pauletto D'Arrigo.pdf: 520303 bytes, checksum: b46d638330a016715884ef6aabc82d73 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-02T13:24:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Fernanda Pauletto D'Arrigo.pdf: 520303 bytes, checksum: b46d638330a016715884ef6aabc82d73 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-02 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, FAPERGS. / The change of command is a challenge for family businesses looking for of the business longterm survival. The succession process is a period of coexistence between predecessors and successors for knowledge sharing between generations to ensure that, the valuable knowledge about the business remains in the organization, therefore that the change of command does not affect the performance and efficiency of company. Given the importance of knowledge in the succession process of family businesses, we highlight knowledge exploration and exploitation activities, carried out individually, but also in the sharing of knowledge between predecessors and successors. Knowledge strategies can be perceived through the exploitation activities - relates to new uses and combinations of existing knowledge to achieve short-term goals, or by means of exploration activities - the search for new knowledge, unknown and often uncertain. Therefore, knowledge exploration ans exploitation activities may be related to individual characteristics and with the relationship with other family members in the routine of the organization. Thus, it allows considering the motivations and involvement of the individual with the family business may have an impact on how such activities are carried out in the organization. In this regard, previous studies indicate that the commitment bases of the members involved in the succession process, thus defining the commitment as a critical aspect of succession. The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between the commitment and the activities of exploration and exploitation of knowledge of the individuals involved in the process of succession of family businesses. To reach the aim, was carried out a mixed methods approach with an explanatory sequential strategy, and initially collected to be analyzed quantitative data. From the quantitative findings we preceded to the second phase of research, with a qualitative approach that aimed to in depth the results of the quantitative research. The survey was conducted in FCDL-RS considering family businesses of Rio Grande do Sul – Southern Brazil, involved in succession processes. The final results considered 303 respondents participated in the quantitative step and 10 interviewers in the qualitative step. The main contribution of the study is the knowledge exploration and exploitation activities in the individual and the sharing between predecessors and successors, and beyond the commitment relating to these members. The results indicated that, in regard to the individual dimension of analysis, the respondents perform ambidextrous way, both activities. However, in the knowledge sharing dimension, ambidexterity was not identified. Relating the knowledge exploration and exploitation activities in the individual and sharing level with the commitment, the results identified positive and negative relationships. A positive relationship was perceived between affective commitment regarding to the loyalty dimension and exploitation activities for knowledge sharing and combination. On the other hand, negative relationships between the commitment of continuity and affective - regarding the desire to stay in business - and exploration activities on the share to the creation of new knowledge. The result of research indicates that, when discussing the activities of exploration, exploitation and ambidexterity knowledge of the level of analysis and the search context can influence the results of the study

A troca de comando é um desafio para as empresas familiares que buscam a sobrevivência da empresa em longo prazo. O processo de sucessão é também o período de convivência entre predecessores e sucessores para o compartilhamento de conhecimento a fim de garantir que conhecimentos valiosos sobre o negócio se mantenham na organização, para que assim a troca do comando não afete o desempenho e eficiência da empresa. Dada a relevância do conhecimento no processo de sucessão de empresas familiares, destaca-se atividade de exploração de conhecimento, realizadas individualmente, mas também no compartilhamento de conhecimento entre predecessores e sucessores. A exploração de conhecimento pode acontecer por meio das atividades de exploitation, quando refere-se aos novos usos e combinações do conhecimento existente para atingir as metas de curto prazo, ou por meio das atividades de exploration, quando refere-se à busca por novos conhecimentos, desconhecidos e muitas vezes incertos. Por isso, as atividades de exploração de conhecimento se relacionam às características individuais na relação com demais membros da família, na rotina da organização. Fatores referentes à motivação e ao envolvimento do indivíduo com o negócio familiar podem ter influência em como tais atividades são realizadas na organização. Neste aspecto, estudos apontam as bases do comprometimento dos membros envolvidos no processo de sucessão como um aspecto crítico na sucessão. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a relação entre o comprometimento e as atividades de exploration e exploitation de conhecimento dos sujeitos envolvidos no processo de sucessão de empresas familiares. A abordagem adotada para a pesquisa foi a de métodos mistos com estratégia sequencial explanatória, sendo que incialmente coletou-se a analisou-se dados quantitativos. A partir dos achados quantitativos procedeu-se a segunda fase da pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa com o objetivo de aprofundar os resultados da pesquisa quantitativa. A pesquisa foi aplicada na Federação das Câmaras de Dirigentes Lojistas do Rio Grande do Sul (FCDL-RS) considerando empresas familiares do Rio Grande do Sul envolvidas em processos sucessórios. Participaram da etapa quantitativa 303 associados e 10 associados participaram da etapa qualitativa. Os resultados indicaram que no nível individual de análise os respondentes realizam de forma ambidestra, ambas as atividades, exploration e exploitation. Já no nível do compartilhamento de conhecimento entre sucessores e predecessores, a ambidestria não foi identificada. Ao relacionar as atividades de exploration e exploitation de conhecimento individuais e no compartilhamento com o comprometimento, identificou-se relações positivas e negativas. A relação positiva foi percebida entre o comprometimento afetivo na dimensão referente à lealdade dos indivíduos ao negocio da família e as atividades de exploitation no compartilhamento e combinação de conhecimentos. Por outro lado, foram identificadas relações negativas entre o comprometimento de continuidade e afetivo, na dimensão referente ao desejo em permanecer na empresa e as atividades de exploration no compartilhamento para a criação de novos conhecimentos. O resultado da pesquisa indica que, ao discutir as atividades de exploration, exploitation e ambidestria de conhecimento o nível de análise e o contexto da pesquisa podem influenciar nos resultados do estudo. / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, FAPERGS. / The change of command is a challenge for family businesses looking for of the business longterm survival. The succession process is a period of coexistence between predecessors and successors for knowledge sharing between generations to ensure that, the valuable knowledge about the business remains in the organization, therefore that the change of command does not affect the performance and efficiency of company. Given the importance of knowledge in the succession process of family businesses, we highlight knowledge exploration and exploitation activities, carried out individually, but also in the sharing of knowledge between predecessors and successors. Knowledge strategies can be perceived through the exploitation activities - relates to new uses and combinations of existing knowledge to achieve short-term goals, or by means of exploration activities - the search for new knowledge, unknown and often uncertain. Therefore, knowledge exploration ans exploitation activities may be related to individual characteristics and with the relationship with other family members in the routine of the organization. Thus, it allows considering the motivations and involvement of the individual with the family business may have an impact on how such activities are carried out in the organization. In this regard, previous studies indicate that the commitment bases of the members involved in the succession process, thus defining the commitment as a critical aspect of succession. The objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between the commitment and the activities of exploration and exploitation of knowledge of the individuals involved in the process of succession of family businesses. To reach the aim, was carried out a mixed methods approach with an explanatory sequential strategy, and initially collected to be analyzed quantitative data. From the quantitative findings we preceded to the second phase of research, with a qualitative approach that aimed to in depth the results of the quantitative research. The survey was conducted in FCDL-RS considering family businesses of Rio Grande do Sul – Southern Brazil, involved in succession processes. The final results considered 303 respondents participated in the quantitative step and 10 interviewers in the qualitative step. The main contribution of the study is the knowledge exploration and exploitation activities in the individual and the sharing between predecessors and successors, and beyond the commitment relating to these members. The results indicated that, in regard to the individual dimension of analysis, the respondents perform ambidextrous way, both activities. However, in the knowledge sharing dimension, ambidexterity was not identified. Relating the knowledge exploration and exploitation activities in the individual and sharing level with the commitment, the results identified positive and negative relationships. A positive relationship was perceived between affective commitment regarding to the loyalty dimension and exploitation activities for knowledge sharing and combination. On the other hand, negative relationships between the commitment of continuity and affective - regarding the desire to stay in business - and exploration activities on the share to the creation of new knowledge. The result of research indicates that, when discussing the activities of exploration, exploitation and ambidexterity knowledge of the level of analysis and the search context can influence the results of the study

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Given the importance of family businesses with regard to the economic growth of South Africa, and the fact that their high failure rates have a negative influence on the country’s economy, this study focused on ineffective leadership among family businesses and the influence thereof on business performance. People’s perceptions of leadership are changing, and an ethical, people-centred, character-orientated approach to leadership may be what businesses require. In addition, innovation and employee well-being are being given high priority, and leadership that is ethical and caring is of great importance. The primary objective of this study was twofold, firstly to establish the levels of Ethical, Authentic, Participative and Servant leadership displayed by family business owners and employees in the Eastern Cape, and secondly to establish the influence on the Perceived business performance of the family business of displaying these styles. Poor leadership was identified as a major challenge that family businesses are faced with, and a challenge that contributes to their high failure rate. The literature dealt with the nature and importance of leadership, and both traditional and contemporary leadership styles were elaborated on. The traditional leadership styles identified were autocratic, laissez-faire, transactional, transformational and participative leadership, while the contemporary styles identified and discussed were ethical, authentic and servant leadership. From the literature it was evident that a more ethical, people-centred, character-orientated approach to leadership may be what businesses require to be successful today. The literature highlighted Ethical, Authentic, Participative, and Servant leadership as the more character-orientated leadership styles that positively influence the performance of any business, including family businesses. These leadership styles formed the main focus of this study. In this study a quantitative research design was adopted and a descriptive study of a cross-sectional nature was undertaken. A convenience sampling technique was used owing to the inaccessibility of a family business database. The sample size in this study consisted of 250 small family businesses. A survey was undertaken and a structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the necessary data. The measuring instrument was developed by sourcing items from several existing studies. Family business owners and employees working in the family business were approached by fieldworkers and asked to participate in the study. In total, 266 questionnaires were usable, 133 from family business owners and 133 from family business employees. An effective response rate of 53.20 percent was achieved. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument were confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and by the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Descriptive statistics were calculated in order to summarise the sample data, while t-tests were used to determine whether the differences in mean scores returned by the family business owner and employee sample groups for the leadership styles under investigation, were significantly different from each other. Pearson’s product moment correlations were used to assess the associations between the variables under investigation. A multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to assess the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable Perceived business performance. Lastly, the relationships between selected demographic variables and leadership styles displayed by family business owners were tested by means of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Five factors were extracted from the EFA, four of which were considered for further analysis. The four usable factors extracted could be identified as the theoretical dimensions of Ethical leadership, Participative leadership, Perceived business performance and Servant leadership. The items measuring Ethical and Authentic leadership did not load as expected, as several items measuring the two factors loaded onto one factor. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients returned for the four usable factors extracted from the EFA were greater than 0.7, and thus the scales measuring the independent and dependent variables provided satisfactory evidence of validity and reliability. The findings of this study show that for both the family business owner and employee sample group, Ethical leadership returned the highest mean score, followed by Servant and Participative leadership. The great majority of the family business owners therefore agreed that they adopted these leadership styles. In addition the majority of family business employees agreed that the family business owner, for whom they worked, adopted these leadership styles. T-tests were conducted to assess whether the differences in mean scores returned by the two sample groups were statistically significant. Significant differences were found between the means scores returned by both sample groups with regard to the level of Ethical and Servant leadership displayed by the family business owner. No significant difference was found between the mean scores returned by both sample groups for Participative leadership. This finding was not surprising, given that socially desirable bias occurs when individuals describe or rate themselves in a manner that is untruthful or in a way that they feel may be viewed favourably by others. From the MRA, no relationships were reported between the independent variables (Ethical, Participative and Servant leadership) and the dependent variable Perceived business performance. The results of ANOVA revealed that there was no relationship between the Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Tenure, Generation, Number of employees and the Nature of the family business and the Ethical, Participative, and Servant leadership styles. However, the results show that family business owners with a tertiary qualification are more likely to adopt a Participative leadership style. Despite no significant relationship found in this study, it is well supported in the literature that the leadership styles investigated have a positive influence on business performance. Family business owners should take cognisance of this, and measures should be taken to ensure that the leadership style implemented in their businesses is ethical, participative and servant-orientated. This study has attempted to enlarge the body of knowledge available on leadership, especially concerning the servant, ethical, people-centred and character-orientated leadership styles. The results of the study differ somewhat from existing literature, and therefore add to the body of knowledge on leadership. Furthermore, this study has addressed a gap in the current literature regarding the influence of leadership on business performance among family businesses in a developing economy such as South Africa.

Family business literature reveals that the majority of family businesses do not make it to the second generation, and quite a few are fortunate to be passed onto the third generation. Succession planning is the critical issue that enhances continuity of the family business. Relational influences indicate that the balancing of family systems and business systems is more likely to encourage high quality succession. The development of effective practical governance systems can help the family business achieve its strategy. External influences indicate that owner role adjustment, defined as the predecessor’s “letting go” in the firm, as well as the development and mentoring of the successor, shape the effectiveness of succession in the family business.

Family owned businesses play a vital role in the economy of a country, therefore their sustainability and succession is a topic that requires adequate research and analysis. This is required to determine the impact and contribution at a socioeconomic level and future development of the family owned business. Within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area previous research has been conducted analysing the above with regard to Greek family businesses. There is a little evidence to suggest similar studies have been conducted on Indian owned family businesses, specifically businesses operating at a third generation level. This research will therefore analyse Indian owned family businesses that are at a minimum level of third generation within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The purpose is to investigate whether there is any specific cultural attributes of the Indian culture which have contributed to their success.

This treatise investigates how information technology (I.T.) enables growth in a family business (the firm) in Port Elizabeth. The firm operates in the mobile telecommunications sector. The objective of the study is to gain a deeper understanding on why family businesses adopt information technology in their firm by means of a case study. The firm found its technology (or lack thereof) completely out-dated compared to the competition and customer demands. The future of the firm was in jeopardy. The study starts with a literature review of the following three topics which form part of the scope of the research: 1. Family businesses; 2. Influence of I.T. as a driver of growth in business; and 3. An introduction into the mobile telecommunications industry. Data are collected through structured interviews with family members involved in the business. The data are consequently linked to the theory and provides insight as to what the drivers are for I.T. adoption and the required core competencies or critical success factors of the firm. Although it might seem trivial for a small family business to adopt information technology, the research concludes that I.T. is critical for continuous growth and survival of this family business. Conversely due to a lack of internal skills the firm is heavily reliant upon outside consultants for advice, implementation and support. Recommendations which are of particular interest to family businesses in a similar environment are: • Embrace technology early, utilise I.T. solutions to grow and enhance current competitive advantage, do not see I.T. as a competitive advantage alone (Pavlou & Sawy, 2006); • If information expertise is not present within the company it is advisable to invest in that expertise through recruitment, training, partnership, or outsourcing; • Ensure software meets specification / is effective enough – this can be achieved by frequent releases cycles with small changes instead of infrequent release cycles with many big changes; • Engage the consultants in a partnership by i.e. providing a profit share – this will ensure that the consultants are committed to the cause and will also ensure that their involvement is also in their own best interest; • Choose local consultants who are easily accessible – build relationships and focus on trust; • Create lock-in (Amit & Zott, 2001), provide tools free-ofcharge for customers, this will make switching to competitor more difficult; • Automate as much as possible, enable standard work practices, routinize; • Be ready to adjust the organisational structure or relinquish control (Bruquea & Moyanob, 2007)

Family businesses are considered to be among the most important contributors to wealth and employment in virtually the world. This qualitative study looked at farming family businesses. Farming family businesses present certain unique features that discern them from other family businesses and are worthy of investigation. Two domains are identified in the literature and research about conflict in family business: The business and the family. The researcher postulated that the domain of the family is too broadly drawn and that farming family systems in the Sibling Partnership Stage, with their unique way of life and functioning, consist of several sub-systems which impact on the business. Conflict develops in and between the sub-systems. This study looked at conflict within farming family businesses from a systemic viewpoint, particularly focusing on the process aspects, the interactional dynamics in and between the sub-systems. Four active types of subsystems were identified in the case studies: Couples subsystems, parent child subsystems, sibling subsystems, in-law subsystems or subsystems of which at least one member is an in-law. The research aim was to explore the circular patterns in the two cases as systems and to uncover the function of the conflict in these systems. In both cases, circular conflict patterns came to the fore with the subsystems part of the feedback loops. The conflict escalation happened between the subsystems as elements and the conflict paths were circular, not linear. Sub-themes around family scripts, communication and perceptions about fairness were also uncovered in the research. Both cases were family businesses in the two-generational development stage. The function of the conflict in both systems could only be hypothesised due to the exploratory nature of the research. The researcher hypothesized that the function of the conflict in the systems centred around conflict as an attempt in the system to shake loose from entrenched restricting family scripts. The important themes that presented themselves in the research not envisaged in the planning stage. These themes are part of the systemic patterning in both the cases: Perceptions of fairness or rather unfairness feed into the conflict loop. Rewards and compensation are sensitive matters in all families. The more there are perceptions of unfairness in a subsystem, the more entrenched that belief becomes, the more the conflict in the system escalates and the bigger the emotional distance gets from the assumed beneficiaries of benefits.