A Mixed Methods Approach to a Bourdiean Analysis of Innovation in Family Firms

A mixed methods approach to a Bourdiean analysis of innovation in family firms. Despite the extensive use of Bourdieu in sociological research, there have been few attempts to apply his theories to business studies. The research methodology outlined in this study will adopt a fresh approach to applying Bourdieu's theories of doxa, fields and habitus (Bourdieu, 1979) to the process of innovation within the complex world of manufacturing and family firms. Bourdieu used diverse research methods, including in-depth interviews, photographs and large-scale questionnaires to develop his sociological theories; therefore the philosophical construct has suggested a particular methodological design. Using a mixed methods approach, this study aims to critically evaluate the distinctiveness of family firm innovation, employing Bourdieu's sociological theories of doxa, fields and habitus. Selecting family firms from the manufacturing sector in Greater Manchester, the study worked towards this aim through firstly discovering the extent of difference between family and non-family firms in relation to innovation; secondly, exploring the extent to which sociological theories explain the concept of "familiness"; and finally assessing how "familiness" affects innovation within family firms. Adopting a quant-QUAL-quant approach (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011, p. 109), this paper will describe the rationale for the choice of mixed methodology, the relationship of the design to the research aim and objectives, the detail of each research stage and the challenges of this research design. The initial quantitative stage identifies trends and correlations between innovation and family firms in the manufacturing sector using an ONS secure dataset. The second, qualitative stage, takes precedence in the study, and is an in-depth analysis of 30 interviews with family firms in order to develop hypotheses based on Bourdieu's concepts. The final stage will consist of quantitative analysis based on questionnaire responses, to test the hypotheses developed in the qualitative stage. It is intended that the methodological contribution of this study will assist family firm researchers to design effective research approaches when exploring the complex nature of these types of organisations. Furthermore, the research design will demonstrate how to balance subjective biases of individual stakeholders with empirical quantitative data. It is also envisaged that the research will contribute to and impact upon government policies, which support innovation for family businesses and manufacturers in the Greater Manchester and the wider area.