Family Business and Entrepreneurship Research Presentation Series with Dr. Thomas Clauss
February 11, 2026
The Centre for Family Business and Entrepreneurship (CFBE), SPJIMR, was delighted to host the latest session of our Family Business and Entrepreneurship Research Presentation Series featuring Dr. Thomas Clauss, Professor and WIFU Foundation Chair in Corporate Entrepreneurship and Digitalisation in Family Business and Vice Dean for Research at the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society at Witten/Herdecke University.
In his compelling presentation titled, ‘Tradition Types in Family Businesses: A Large-Scale Classification’, Dr. Clauss redefined how we understand tradition in family firms. Moving beyond the simplistic view of tradition as either a barrier or a catalyst to innovation, his research identifies six distinct tradition narratives that blend objective history with subjective interpretation—shaping how firms innovate, transform, and grow.
Drawing from an extensive dataset of over 3,000 family firm websites across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the study combines qualitative coding with advanced machine learning techniques to uncover how firms communicate tradition. These narratives range from Reliability and Technical Self-Conception to Embedded Adaptivity and Moral Stewardship, each aligned with specific firm characteristics such as age, size, and family involvement.
A key insight? Tradition is not static but rather a strategic resource. Firms that frame innovation as a continuation of their legacy are better positioned to navigate digital transformation and even crisis situations. By aligning change initiatives with deeply rooted values and stories, family businesses can reduce resistance, build stakeholder trust, and sustain long-term competitiveness.
The session sparked vibrant discussion on managing the ‘innovation–tradition paradox’ and opened exciting avenues for future research, including exploring how tradition narratives shift during crises.
At CFBE, we remain committed to bringing cutting-edge global research to our community. Stay tuned for upcoming Research Presentation sessions as we continue exploring the dynamic world of family business and entrepreneurship