Role of Female Successors in Family Business Innovation: Some Insights From the Largest Matrilineal Muslim Society

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine innovation and succession planning of some Minangkabau family business using the institutional logic approach. It is important to note that the Minangkabau is completely a Muslim society in Indonesia and one of the largest matrilineal societies in the world. Moreover, innovation and succession planning are important factors and interlinked concepts signifying the dynamics of a family business. A qualitative approach was implemented in this study and this involved interviewing 17 Minangkabau people from six family businesses after which thematic analysis was utilized to examine the collected data. It was discovered that there were two consecutive major patterns regarding family business innovation and succession planning based on business, community or socio-cultural values, and family logic. Moreover, two possible paths were identified with the interviewees observed to have one which involved the importance of succession planning and its consequences on business innovation. This means family business innovation in real organizations needs to be based on trustworthiness as well as the adoption of appropriate changes and strategies.