AFRICAN FAMILY FIRMS RESEARCH
The AFF Research Foundation was established to foster greater knowledge and understanding of family firms and their contribution to the various African economy and society, as well as the key challenges and opportunities that they face.
A.F.F RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The AFF Research Foundation was established to foster greater knowledge and understanding of family firms and their contribution to the various African economy and society, as well as the key challenges and opportunities that they face. The Foundation is the only organisation uniquely focused on understanding the African family business sector.
The aim to have the results of our research become the primary source of evidence on the impact of African family companies. In turn, we also aim to have our research become relied upon by governments, family businesses (as well as their advisers), academics and researchers to help underpin their decision making.
OUR VISION
To be the Africa’s centre of excellence for family business research.
OUR MISSION
To support a strong and thriving African family business sector by analysing the issues facing family firms and researching the key topics identified.
WHAT WE DO:
The AFF’s Research Foundation’s publications will be designed to help create a better understanding of family business, for the benefit of all. Our work will cover a broad range of research and publications including:
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AFF Family Business Sector Report – benchmarking the size and importance of the sector.
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AFF Family Business White Papers – thought leadership reports on the behavioural characteristics of family firms.​
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AFF Family Business Case Studies – showcasing successful family business exemplars.
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AFF Family Business Challenge Guides – a range of practical guides on key family business issues that will supplemented by a free online resource offering practical advice.
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We disseminate our knowledge and best practice guidance through printed publications available for purchase, and online through the AFF website.
RESEARCH FRAMEWORK
Our research relates principally to the relationship of family ownership on the operation of a company to show best practice and likely outcomes. We analyse the work already carried out in the relevant area and identify the fields where further research is necessary.
SCOPE
The scope of AFF research is to analyse and understand family-owned businesses, their impact on the economy and society, and the challenges that they face.
AFF research activity focuses on medium-sized and large multi-generational family firms and falls into four main areas:
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1. DEFINING AND CHARACTERISING FAMILY BUSINESSES
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Understanding family firm diversity and identifying what makes family businesses different in terms of their purpose, values, and goals; ownership and governance arrangements; and how they manage generational transitions.
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2. THE EFFECTS OF FAMILY OWNERSHIP ON THE BUSINESS
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Understanding the effects of family ownership on governance, strategy, entrepreneurship, management, and performance.
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Identifying the factors that influence the success and long-term sustainability of family businesses, and developing evidence-based solutions to the challenges that they face.
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3. THE IMPACT OF FAMILY BUSINESSES ON THE ECONOMY AND SOCIETY
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Identifying and assessing the impact of family businesses on the economy and society.
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4. THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY ON FAMILY BUSINESS
FUNDING
Our work is generously supported by a consortium of Research Foundation Benefactors. The Board is seeking to expand this group to ensure that our support for the family business sector can continue and to reach a growing audience while maintaining our high standards. To find out more about supporting our research work, please Contact Us.
