Social Exchanges in Family Businesses: A Review and Future Research Agenda

Abstract

Different social exchange relationships among family members and between family and non-family stakeholders influence individual, group, and family-firm outcomes. Although many studies provide insights into social exchange relationships in family businesses, these studies are scattered across multiple literatures. Using the lens of social exchange theory, we review and organize 74 such studies. After discussing what is known and what gaps remain, we juxtapose our review with new theorizing about social exchanges to elicit research opportunities for family business research and for leveraging the family business context to “give back” to social exchange theory.