Non-Family Managers and Innovation in Family Firms: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Non-family managers play a crucial role in fostering innovation within family firms, yet their impact remains debated due to inconsistent research findings and a lack of comprehensive synthesis. This study integrates this effect through a meta-analysis of 213 effect sizes from 101 studies. The results demonstrate a positive influence of non-family managers on firm innovation, with a stronger effect on inputs than on outputs. Furthermore, this study identifies key governance and managerial contingencies at the firm level. First-generation control weakens this relationship, while non-family TMTs strengthen it. The implications for theory and practice are discussed, with suggestions for future research.

Department(s)

Business and Information Technology

Comments

National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant 72072159

Keywords and Phrases

family firms; innovation; meta-analysis; non-family managers; professionalization

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1741-6248; 0894-4865

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 SAGE Publications, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2025

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