Contributions and constraints to continuity in Mexican-American family firms

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contributions of both successors and incumbent leaders to family firm continuity, using insights from the family business succession literature and cultural dimensions theory. Design/methodology/approach - In a qualitative study, the succession practices of 19 Mexican-American family firms were examined. Findings - The findings are encapsulated by seven propositions and a model of Mexican-American family firm generational contributions and constraints to family business continuity. Originality/value - In-depth interviews with immigrant and second generation family firm leaders revealed both traditional family firm succession patterns and atypical succession patterns, including generational inversion and equals across generations.