Timing, paths and contents of the intergenerational inheritance of family firm from the perspective of HeXie theory

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the internal logical relationship between two intergenerational inheritance ways of passing property rights and residual control rights (RCR) and to construct a conceptual model comprising transfer elements, paths and timing of succession in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Driven by the cases of Haixin, Tianyijiao and Changhe Group, this paper applies research methods of copying and expanding analysis logic, progressive deduction, content analysis and comparative research based on the perspective of HeXie theory to explore the deep interrelation of transfer elements, paths and timing during family business succession.

Findings

The findings present that the content of intergenerational inheritance of a family firm is the inheritance of property rights and RCR. First, the inheritance of property rights is a static inheritance of time-point delivery, whereas the inheritance of RCR is a dynamic inheritance process for a period of time. Second, the inheritance of property rights and RCR are not independent; only a “HeXie” succession of both rights can realize a successful inheritance of family firms.

Originality/value

This paper constructs the paths and timing model of intergenerational inheritance of property rights and RCR in family firms. This paper integrates the current literature studies on the family inheritance of property rights and RCR and explains their internal mechanisms. This paper also provides a theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for family business transitions in the business world.

Citation

Wang, L., Zhang, X., Yan, B. and Boasson, V. (2023), "Timing, paths and contents of the intergenerational inheritance of family firm from the perspective of HeXie theory", Chinese Management Studies, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 1031-1052. https://doi.org/10.1108/CMS-03-2022-0096