Theorising on arab family businesses

Abstract

The article identifies the distinct characteristics of family businesses in the Arab world and argues that management practice of Arab family businesses (AFB) differs significantly from previous testaments of international family business practices. It is also explained that constructs like Namus, Wasta, Diwan and Asabiyyah are vital to distinguish between international understanding of family businesses and Arab family businesses. The differentiating factors of Arab clans are precisely the ones that provide competitive advantages and security from competitive pressures. Concepts of knowledge reservoir, social networking and emotional and symbolic capital have significant influence on family business practice in the Arab world. The main contribution of this article is to develop propositions as a way to both simplify and clarify the key constructs (Namus, Wasta, Diwan and Asabiyyah) in a middle range theory (Arab family business) with the approach of modelling-as-theorising and to define Arab family business.