Negotiating continuity: a case study of transitions and cultural elaboration in family business

This paper explores the cultural dynamics in family business. By adopting a cultural morphogenetic approach, the paper challenges the common assumptions of culture in family business studies where culture is predominantly defined as coherent values, as shared values, and that values are the core of culture. Drawing from an in-depth single case study of a fourth-generation Luxembourgish family business, this paper shows the value of dualistically analyzing culture in terms of its logical relationship and causal consensus. The case illustrates how contradictory values are contested and reconciled while complementary values are stabilized and reinforced. The paper contributes to highlight the role of history, practice, and power in family business culture.