Uncovering Family Firm Growth: The Evolution of Imprinted Family Goals within the Founding Generation

Drawing on the imprinting theory, this paper explores the impact of family goals shaped by the founding generation on firm growth. Through a multi-case study of eight Chinese family firms, we find that imprinted family goals shape firm growth differently through re-imprinting processes within the founding generation. The reimprinted goals of securing transgenerational control only facilitate active growth when they do not revolve around the only child. Moreover, we offer insights into how imprinting theory applies to family firms by showing that growth trajectory can change under specific conditions before any generational transition occurs.