Innovation Strategies, Risk and Proactivity: Family vs. Non-Family Businesses

Abstract

In the present study the strategies of innovation, risk and proactiveness in micro and small businesses comparing their results between family and non- family firms were studied . Although it is common to find in the literature a trend of better performance of family businesses , this work is counteracted this trend . Not to the particular performance level , but the strategies presented , whose adoption leads to better performance . The study was carried out in the Vale do Sousa region and industrial and construction companies were considered . In terms of results, the sample allows us to conclude by 47 % of family businesses . Comparing the family business groups and unfamiliar , it was found that there were no differences in terms of innovation strategies and risks, however, the non- family businesses have become more proactive . In line with these results also found that it is not possible to distinguish between family and non- family firms in terms of entrepreneurship