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Navigating global waters: performance outcomes of internationalization in family businesses

delete2026-03-17
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OA
AI
D
Domenico Rocco Cambrea
F
Fabio Quarato
K
Kevin Pirazzi Maffiola
DOI:10.1108/jfbm-08-2025-0226delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
<jats:sec> <jats:title>Purpose</jats:title> <jats:p>This study aims to examine the relationship between family firm internationalization and short-term accounting performance (return on assets (ROA)) and long-term market-based performance (average market value (AMV)), considering the unique context of socioemotional wealth (SEW) preservation.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Design/methodology/approach</jats:title> <jats:p>Utilizing a sample of 641 observations pertaining to Italian and German family-owned firms, we empirically test two hypotheses with regression analysis: (1) a positive linear impact of internationalization on ROA and (2) a U-shaped curvilinear impact on AMV.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Findings</jats:title> <jats:p>Our results confirm a positive linear relationship between family firm internationalization and short-term ROA, indicating immediate financial benefits from initial global engagement. Furthermore, we find support for a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between internationalization and AMV. This suggests that while early internationalization may initially temper market valuation, deeper and more extensive international engagement ultimately can contribute to enhancing long-term value.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Practical implications</jats:title> <jats:p>Family business managers should recognize that even modest internationalization can yield short-term financial gains. For long-term value creation, a sustained and strategic approach to internationalization is crucial, requiring patience through initial market reactions. Policymakers can support family firms in navigating these complex internationalization trajectories.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Originality/value</jats:title> <jats:p>Overall, our analysis enriches the family business and international business literature by offering a dual-perspective analysis of internationalization's impact on financial performance. It provides a more granular understanding of how family firms reconcile SEW preservation with global expansion, moving beyond a simple trade-off to a dynamic process of value creation.</jats:p> </jats:sec>

Journal

Journal of Family Business Management cover
Journal of Family Business Management
IF:
3.4
Papers:
416
Citations:
1.4K

Organization

C
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Scholars:
3.1W
Papers: 2.1W
Citations: 22
B
Bocconi University
Scholars:
1.8K
Papers: 2.4K
Citations: 4.8K
U
university of modena and reggio emilia
Scholars:
914
Papers: 429
Citations: 0
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