The familiness matrix: A configurational instrument to capture heterogeneity in family firm logics

Abstract

Familiness is central to understanding both the distinctiveness and the heterogeneity of family firms. Prior research has developed important scales and conceptualizations of family influence, socioemotional goals, and familiness-related dynamics. However, the literature still lacks an integrative framework that organizes these heterogeneous dimensions within a broader configurational system. In this study, we conceptualize familiness as a system of organizational logics co-shaped by the owning family. Building on a cross-theoretical literature review and an inductive coding process, we identify 32 operationalizable familiness attributes, grouped into ten sub-dimensions and four broader dimensions: Value Proposition Familiness, Investment Familiness, Involvement Familiness, and Work Environment Familiness. These dimensions are organized into a Familiness Matrix, proposed as a scalable and operationalizable framework for examining how internal and external familiness logics combine within family firms. A real-world family firm is analyzed through the lens of the Familiness Matrix to provide an illustration of its potential. By offering an integrative and configurational framework, this study contributes to ongoing efforts to better capture family firm heterogeneity and provides a basis for future empirical, comparative, and longitudinal research.