Keywords

copreneurship, family effect, founder effect

Abstract

This study examines how firm performance and family income are affected when an “owner-managed” firm transitions to a “copreneurial” business. Data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics were used to track changes in firm performance and family income from 1996 to 2006 during which time an owner-manager decided to partner with his spouse. The findings suggest that (a) involvement of one’s spouse in the business had no significant impact on firm profits and (b) working with one’s spouse had a significant impact on family income. The authors hypothesize that the lack of spousal influence on firm performance is because of their inability to influence their spouses, their lack of education and skills needed by the firm, and organizational “imprinting.” Moreover, since it is hypothesized that many spouses work for little or no pay, there would not be a significant impact on family income as the result of one’s partnering with a spouse. However, this hypothesis was not confirmed.

Original Publication Citation

Dyer, W. G., Dyer, W. J., & Gardner, R. G. 2013. Should my spouse be my partner? Preliminary evidence from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Family Business Review, 26: 68-80.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Family Business Review

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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