arbiter
JournalsAccount

Transformational Family Leaders in Multi-Unit Complex Family Firms: A Multilevel Analysis

M. T. G. Hughes et al.

Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice2026https://doi.org/10.1177/10422587251406313article
FT50AJG 4*ABDC A*
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Transformational leadership is recognized for bringing family members together; however, its role in multi-unit complex family firms that rely on nonfamily managers is poorly theorized. We find that transformational family chief executive officers (CEOs) positively affect the performance of business units run by nonfamily managers, suggesting that transformational family CEOs significantly influence nonfamily managers’ behavior. But the efficacy of that influence matters. Political skill enhances the transformational family CEO’s impact on business unit entrepreneurial orientation and financial performance. Business unit entrepreneurial orientation also mediates the relationship between the transformational family CEO and business unit financial performance, particularly when CEO’s political skill is high.

Open via your library →

Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/10422587251406313

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{m.2026,
  title        = {{Transformational Family Leaders in Multi-Unit Complex Family Firms: A Multilevel Analysis}},
  author       = {M. T. G. Hughes et al.},
  journal      = {Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/10422587251406313},
}

Paste directly into BibTeX, Zotero, or your reference manager.

Flag this paper

Transformational Family Leaders in Multi-Unit Complex Family Firms: A Multilevel Analysis

Flags are reviewed by the Arbiter methodology team within 5 business days.

Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.