Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Journal / Book Title

Journal of Family Business Strategy

Abstract

Although previous studies have recognized the contingent nature of family firms’ aspirations, they have largely neglected cross-cultural heterogeneity. Drawing on the behavioral theory and socio-emotional wealth perspective (SEW), we reexamine the construct of family aspirations in a Chinese context. We argue that Chinese family firms have culturally specific aspirations that can influence their strategic behaviors. Based on a three-phase study employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, we develop and validate a measure of aspirations of Chinese families-in-business. Six dimensions of Chinese family aspirations are explored: family harmony, financial wealth, health and longevity, continuity of family line, family honor and guanxi, and great ambitions for the younger generation. Our findings also identify a set of topics that can be pursued in future research using our Chinese family aspirations scale.

Published Citation

Lu, F., Zhu, Z., & He, X. (2021). Aspirations of Chinese families-in-business: Development of a reliable measurement instrument. Journal of Family Business Strategy, 12(4), 100441.

Share

COinS