The Nature of Reciprocity in Family Firm Succession

Abstract

Reciprocity is a theoretical framework that has a substantial pedigree, being a recurring concept in many religions and philosophical approaches. It is also an important aspect of organizational life. Inter-generational succession in family enterprises is the most critical determinant of their long-term survival (Morris et al., 1997). Reciprocal behaviour is inherent in family relationships and thereby an important influence on relationships within family firms. By applying reciprocity theory to family firm succession, we adopt an integrated view of family firms incorporating their kinship and community contexts, as a means of understanding the dynamics between family members and hence issues affecting survival. Existing theories of reciprocity, such as moral reciprocity, mutual reciprocity, univocal reciprocity and intergenerational reciprocity, are inadequate in helping us to understand the dynamics of family firm succession. A new development of reciprocity theory is proposed resulting in a conceptual framework for family firm succession called Bounded Intergenerational Reciprocity.

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