The fsQCA Method in Family Business Research

Family firms are complex organizational entities which are characterized by the interplay of multiple social systems at different levels (e.g. Distelberg & Sorenson, 2009; Pieper & Klein, 2007). A proper understanding of the family business phenomenon, which is relevant for both theory and practice, requires the adoption of a methodological approach that embraces such complexity. The configurational approach is particularly appropriate to this aim, and within this approach, Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) is a technique that has great potential for the description, explanation and interpretation of family firms’ characteristics and dynamics. In this chapter, we will illustrate the main features of the fsQCA technique within the configurational approach, and discuss its range of application to the family business field. We provide key guidelines for the design of a fsQCA study targeting family firms, supported by relevant examples from recent studies. More in detail, the chapter is structured as follows: in the first section, we describe the main characteristics and foundations of fsQCA based on the configurational approach and provide an overview of fsQCA research in management studies. In the second section, we focus on the family business field and make the case for the application of fsQCA technique to the analysis of family firms. In the third section, we present a set of good practices for the design of a fsQCA study specifically addressing family business topics.