Family businesses under COVID-19: Inspiring models - Sometimes

We examine the behavior of family firms during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of Miller and Le Breton-Miller's (2005) 4C model of continuity, community, connection, and command. We show how some family firms embracing temporally and socially extended priorities have excelled along these Cs and conducted themselves as exemplary citizens during the COVID crisis. By contrast some family firms with more restricted priorities have behaved in ethically disreputable ways. We discuss the contingencies that affect these forms of behavior and suggest why family firms may be subject to both positive and negative ethical extremes.

Automated summary

In this study, the behavior of family firms during the COVID-19 pandemic is examined using Miller and Le Breton-Miller's (2005) 4C model. The research shows that some family firms have excelled in terms of continuity, community, connection, and command, and have acted as exemplary citizens during the crisis. Conversely, family firms with more restricted priorities have exhibited unethical behavior. The study discusses the contingencies that influence these behaviors and suggests reasons why family firms may experience both positive and negative ethical extremes.