Release | Social systems theory and family business: A perspective article

Abstract: This perspective article highlights the significance of systems-theoretical approaches within family business research. Extant systems-theoretical literature in the field of family business research is reviewed to outline potential research gaps and avenues. The article highlights the fundamental differences between organisational decision communication and intimate family communication. At the same time, it shows that both […]

Release | Paradox and family business: A perspective article

Abstract: Purpose: This perspective article provides an overview of current research on paradoxes within family business settings and outlines emerging trends and potential avenues for future research in this field. Design/methodology/approach: This article is inspired by a systems-theoretical approach to business family paradoxes.Findings: The article suggests that increasing research interest in more-than and neither-nor approaches […]

Release | Within a mesh of expectations: Dealing with dilemmas in business families using systemic tools from family coaching

Abstract: Business family members face challenges related to exposure to diverse role expectations and systems logics, the management of which often results in sit- uations of high complexity, dilemmas, and paradoxes. To address these issues, in this paper we combine key insights from social systems theory with systemic family coaching tools such as “internal maps,” […]

Release | Fit for functional differentiation: new directions for personnel management and organizational change bridging the fit theory and social systems theory

Abstract: This conceptual paper seeks to bridge two existing theories in a bid to broaden our analytical scope when studying the process of onboarding, retention and exclusion of organizational members. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue. The authors draw on the social systems theory to advance the fit theory demonstrating the […]

Release | The great reset of management and organization theory. A European perspective

Abstract: In mid-2020, the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the Great Reset, an initiative launched to assert, describe, and shape the direction of an epochal transition brought about by the global coronavirus crisis. Rooted in a European tradition of social theory, this article aims to articulate the broader social context of this scenario and pinpoint […]

Release | Draw your organization! A solution-focused theory-method for business school challenges and change

Abstract: This article presents a solution-focused approach to current problems and criticisms faced by business schools. In order to facilitate the required shift from problems to solutions, I outline a theory-method and demonstrate how it has informed my teaching at FT-ranked business schools and other institutions of higher education in two subjects and on three continents. I […]

CFA | Doktorandenstipendium „Digital transformierte Theorie des Familienunternehmens und der Unternehmerfamilie“

Die Universität Witten/Herdecke ist die erste deutsche Universität in gemeinnütziger Trägerschaft (Gründungsjahr: 1982) mit mittlerweile mehr als 600 Beschäftigten und über 2.600 Studierenden. Das Wittener Institut für Familienunternehmen (WIFU) ist Teil der Fakultät für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft und forscht an den Schnittstellen von Wirtschaft, Soziologie, Psychologie und Recht aus dem Blickwinkel von Unternehmen, die mehrheitlich […]

Release | Social goals in the theory of the firm: a systems theory view

Abstract: Drawing on Luhmannian social systems theory, this article revisits the single- versus multiple-objective debate on the theory of the firm. Firms are conceptualized as complexity-reducing systems structurally coupled with potentially risky environments, and profit-maximization is considered as a complexity reduction strategy for making sense of these environments. Whereas single-objective approaches reflect cases when environmental […]

Release | The tetralemma of the business family

Kleve H., Roth S., Köllner T., and Wetzel R. (2020), The tetralemma of the business family. A systemic approach to business-family dilemmas in research and practice, Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 433-446 [SSCI 1.185, Scopus, CNRS**, FNEGE**, CABS**]. The ahead-of-print version of this article is available for download here. Abstract: This […]