The Family Business Project

Management Strategies of Family Firms in the GCC countries: The Impact of Organizational Culture and Planning Systems on Innovation and Firm Performance

Inspired by and aligned with the region's vision for sustainable development and innovative growth, the purpose of this project is to review the area and discuss the details of family firms, business competitiveness, and prospects for growth as well as the cultural traits which can be useful for business development. The study provides a framework by combining and illustrating the above dynamics within the business context of the GCC region.

The research team investigates a variety of factors, affecting business innovation and growth. We measure the family influence on decision making, the adaptability of the planning systems, the innovativeness of the family firm, the access to funding, and executives' satisfaction with their firm's progress and growth prospects.

This study provides knowledge and insights that are beneficial for strengthening the competitiveness of the family businesses in the GCC countries. Specifically, the product of the research is to propose ways and means by which these firms can advance their innovativeness by developing new products, services, and technologies, enhance their competitive strengths, and overcome obstacles in their effort to survive from incoming competition, expand their businesses, and reach new markets.

The funding will help us cover the costs of software, publications, travel, data collection, and website design. Also, the funding will help us communicate this project, raise awareness and and secure a high response rate for our surveys so that we continue examining the factors affecting innovation and growth in the family businesses in the GCC countries.