Professionalizing The Information Security Of Family Firms: A Family Essence Perspective

Family firm leaders are often faced with conflicting pressures and goals. One such situation occurs when deciding whether to pursue professionalized management of a business function as opposed to retaining family control. In this study we examine the decision to professionalize the information security function of the firm while also seeking to maintain the family essence of the business. The results show that traditional institutional pressures encourage professionalism, but the move may be inhibited by family essence.