Qualitative Researching the Transgenerational Enterprise Families behind the Family Business

Based on a qualitative study of seven old, rich, and large enterprise families that were able to maintain and enhance family social capital for more than a century, this case study examines one of the first enterprise family research projects. I provide insight into and reflect upon behind-the-scenes decisions and processes and share lessons about the practicalities of real-world research into the families behind the family businesses. This case study aims to help understand the complexities of researching enterprise families and share experiences of using semi-structured interviews and the Gioia methodology.