1. Ljiljana Kontic, Armenia
Private businesses may significantly contribute to sustained growth. The prevalence of family firms in Serbian economy arouses a new round of discussion about the role of those firms in economic development. The aim of the study is to investigate the main characteristics, vision, mission and development options in one Serbian family enterprise. Family firms are characterized by concentration of ownership, control and often key management positions among family members. This unwillingness of owners to delegate authority actually presents the main barrier for further development for small family firms, and such behavior is deeply rooted in the values of the Serbian national culture. The cultural, demographic, economic, and legal content can shape family firm formation and development. The vast majority of studies have been conducted in developed countries. Only a few studies utilize data from transition countries. This raises important question about the transferability and relevance of family business studies in Western Europe to an explanation of the business activities of small family firms in transition economies.
The research is contextualized in the recycling sector in Serbia. We selected case study method. The data were collected through semi structured interviews with owners and 8 employees, and internal firm documents. The results revealed the main characteristic of selected family firm. This small family firm is founded before four years. All family member engaged in business - couple governance (women is technologist and man is economist), and the children are engage in family business. The firm has strong networks with local community, and good financial performance. The results identify the major challenges the firm faced in selecting development options. Joint venture with company from European Union has been selected. They decided to engage middle-level managers. The study suggests how family firm can effectively manage growth in one unstable environment such as Serbia. This paper will suggest key issues which need to be addressed when considering the development of family firms in Serbia. This study draws out the potential contributions to existing literature of managing family firms in Serbia. By using a case study approach, it is hard to propose the strategic guidelines for any more general applicability. Future researchers can study large sample of family firms from various industry.
Кључне речи :
Тематска област:
Уводни рад:
Да
Датум:
13.06.2011.
Бр. отварања:
725
