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

Jones, O., Ghobadian, A., O'Regan, N. and Antcliff, V. (2013) Dynamic capabilities in a sixth generation family firm: entrepreneurship and the Bibby Line. Business History, 55 (6). pp. 910-941. ISSN 1743-7938 doi: 10.1080/00076791.2012.744590

Abstract/Summary

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.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/29569
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Uncontrolled Keywords	dynamic capabilities, resource-based view, strategic renewal, familiness, entrepreneurship, shipping, diversification
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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