JGR call for papers: Special issue on Governance and Regulation in Family Firms

We would like to draw the attention of the experts in the fields of governance and regulation that international peer-reviewed Journal of Governance and Regulation announces a call for papers for the special issue of the journal devoted to governance and regulation in family firms.

Governance is uppermost in everybody’s mind today. But governance means different things in different organisations. Take family enterprises. No matter what their size, the unique – and often volatile – mix of personal family dynamics, business strategy and ownership criteria can create an emotionally charged environment that makes decision-making, not to mention day-to-day management, challenging. And as the founding generation ages, succession and power issues across an expanding family can create cascading concerns.

Family businesses face unique challenges but also have unique strengths. Where other companies might measure success in quarters, family businesses measure them in generations. Where others might focus uniquely on value, family businesses also focus on values – including preserving the company for the next generation, and perhaps making their mark on the world. On the other hand, family dynamics and non-business considerations can derail even the most profitable enterprise – particularly when catalysed by events such as a generational transition, or an external economic crisis. We know that the most successful family firms are those in which there is a good balance between professional management, responsible business ownership and a healthy family dynamic.

Many family businesses have learned that a little structure can be extremely helpful when it comes time to discuss sensitive issues – such as ownership shares, rights and responsibilities, the competence of family-member managers, and agreeing on a strategy that is best for both the business and the family. Like any business, a family enterprise must be built on a foundation of mutual agreement on certain fundamental questions: What is our vision – and our mission – for this business? What strategy should we follow to reach our goals? What structures and people do we need to succeed? How do we handle shares, inheritance, in-laws? We know that good family and business governance go hand in hand with sustained benefits. If a family and business have expanded over the years and the family dynamics are changing – or if its business is just starting to grow – it is necessary for family business to think more about how it can meet its goals for optimal governance and performance in the long-run.

The special issue will be edited by Dr. Markus Stiglbauer, who is a known expert on governance in family business.

The deadline for submissions is May 1st, 2018.

We encourage submissions in the following areas:

  • corporate governance in family firms;
  • family ownership and firm performance;
  • financial crises and family business;
  • corporate law and family firms;
  • CSR and sustainability in family firms;
  • Corporate regulation in family business;
  • Blockchain and family business;
  • Reporting and family firms;
  • Audit in family-owned enterprises.

For instructions for the authors, visit this page.

The submissions and queries should be sent to the editor of the special issue (co-editor of the journal): Dr. Markus Stiglbauer at m.stiglbauer[at]virtusinterpress.org