The Hidden role of owners’ spouses in family firm innovativeness: a dynamic managerial capabilities perspective

ENPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the dynamic managerial capabilities (DMC) of the spouse (either working or non-working) of a family firm owner on firm innovativeness. This paper assesses the role of three elements of the DMC of owners’ spouses (emotion regulation, conflict resolution and networking capabilities) that are bridged by familiness on family firm innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents the results of a multiple case study. Twelve cases were selected: six innovative and six non-innovative family firms in Lithuania. The study design enabled a comparison not only of innovative and non-innovative family firms but also of non-working and working spouses of family firm owners. Findings – The findings show that family firm owners’ spouses contribute to firm innovativeness through their DMC in terms of emotion regulation, conflict resolution and networking capabilities. Research limitations/implications – This research focused on a sample of firms in Lithuania. Future studies should broaden the research to other countries. Originality/value – This research provides empirical evidence of the hidden role of the DMC of family firm owners’ spouses and their contribution to firm innovativeness. This paper extends the application of DMC to family business research.