Towards the construct of paternalism to investigate control in family business governance

The aim of this study is to adopt the construct of paternalism to understand control in family business governance. In particular, we want to investigate the concept of paternalism as mechanism of control in family firms. The theoretical reflections we here present first try to challenge the main theories used in family business literature, with a discussion about their limitations and boundaries of validity. Then, we present the construct of paternalism as a mechanism of governance and control that influences the decision making process, and in particular the succession processes. The construct of paternalism still needs sound methodological as well conceptual work, but we argue that it may be a starting point for building a rigorous and relevant research stream. This endeavour may help the family business research field to gain legitimacy in the broader academic arena.