Title: Comparison of the information-sharing benefit of the internet for family and non-family firms

Authors: John T. Perry; Timothy L. Pett; J. Kirk Ring

Addresses: Wichita State University, Barton School of Business, Wichita, KS 67260, USA. ' Wichita State University, Barton School of Business, Wichita, KS 67260, USA. ' Wichita State University, Barton School of Business, Wichita, KS 67260, USA

Abstract: Family firms are often characterised by fewer information asymmetries and more trusting cultures than are non-family firms. As a result, using agency theory, we argue that family firm leaders will perceive that they derive less benefit from the internet, an information technology that allows companies to reduce their information asymmetries, than leaders from non-family firms. Our findings are consistent with this argument and provide support for the contention that there are fundamental differences between the perceptions of leaders in family and non-family firms.

Keywords: internet; family business; information asymmetry; information sharing; family firms; non-family firms; information technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2012.047835

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2012 Vol.11 No.3, pp.186 - 200

Accepted: 25 Mar 2011
Published online: 09 Aug 2014 *

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