Work

Dynamic capabilities in a sixth-generation family firm: Entrepreneurship and the Bibby Line

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper we draw on the theory of dynamic capabilities to examine development of the only surviving family-owned Liverpool shipping company. The Bibby Line was founded in 1807 to take advantage of the growing sea-trade based in Liverpool. The company remained in shipping until the mid-1960s, when a series of external crises led the owner, Derek Bibby, to begin a process of diversification. In the last 50 years, the Bibby Line has grown into a £1bn business with interests in retail, distribution and financial services as well as a continuing commitment to shipping. Our intention is to demonstrate how multigenerational ownership contributes to the creation of dynamic capabilities in family firms. The distinctive nature of Bibby as a long-standing family business is related to unique assets such as patient capital, flexible governance structures as well as the ability to mobilise social and human capital. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Source: Business History

DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2012.744590

Authors: Oswald Jones, Abby Ghobadian, Nicholas O'Regan, Valerie Antcliff

Institutions: University of Liverpool, University of Reading, University of the West of England

Language: English

Topic: Family Business Performance and Succession

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Awards: G2989256573, G3146917811, G3542963515