Family Influence, Entrepreneurial Passion and Gender: Multiple Case Studies of Saudi Family Businesses

Abstract

Although there is a growing body of research on passion in the entrepreneurship literature, little is still known about the factors that drive entrepreneurial passion and how different cultural settings affect it. In this study, I look at family influences that could motivate entrepreneurial passion in recognition of the fact that entrepreneurship is socially embedded. The choice to start a new business is among the most crucial ones a person can make. The same strategy can provide different results depending on whether family members were involved or not. A variety of behaviors, attitudes, and approaches could be allowed or prohibited. Building upon past research I examine the effect of the various dimensions of family influence (Power, Experience, and Culture) which may positively or negatively impact entrepreneurial passion (Harmonious, or Obsessive). The purpose of this study is to investigate the connection between the family influence and entrepreneurial passion among business co-owners in Saudi Arabia. This study utilized a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to gather data, which was subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed several themes, including power, experience, and culture dimensions, as well as themes relating to harmonious and obsessive passion. These themes provided insights into the relationships between family influence and entrepreneurial passion. For example, the results showed that centralized power tended to promote obsessive passion, while the experience dimension showed no significant impact on entrepreneurial passion. The culture dimension was found to be complex, affecting passion behavior in different ways. Gender was also found to moderate the relationship between power, culture, and entrepreneurial passion, leading to interesting ancillary findings discussed in the findings chapter. This study has a valuable contribution to the literature on the intersection of family business and entrepreneurship, specifically in the context of Saudi Arabia. The findings have theoretical and practical implications for family businesses and policymakers in the Gulf region, as well as for the broader entrepreneurship and family business literature.