Family firms represent over 90 per cent of businesses globally, and play a significant role in the economies of many nations. This innovative book takes an interdisciplinary, cross-national approach to the study of family firms as institutions as well as the relationship between family firms and external institutions. In doing so, it demonstrates the impact of these interactions both on the firms and institutions themselves and on the wider economic context. Featuring in-depth analysis of original research, chapters take both theoretical and empirical approaches to explore the family firm as an organization, several key case studies. At a micro level, the social and cultural unit of the family and its behaviour is investigated, and at a macro level, external institutional contexts are examined to explain and theorise firms' behaviours and strategies, covering areas such as innovation, competitiveness and reputation. The book provides important conceptual insights, as well as up-to-date empirical research and ideas for future research agendas. Family Firms and Institutional Contexts will be a critical read for scholars and doctoral students in business and management, particularly those with an interest in family firms. Policymakers and practitioners in these areas will also find its insights of practical relevance. 'If you are interested in appreciating how institutions work, then this book should be placed on your shortlist of essential readings. Family Firms and Institutional Contexts adopts an approach that identifies family firms as institutions, involving a bundle of behavioural codes and norms. The cusp between family business studies and institutional analysis lies at the core of this book, providing a diverse array of authors, approaches, and perspectives to the topic.' --Kosmas X. Smyrnios, RMIT University, Australia Edited by Giorgia Maria D’Allura, Associate Professor of Management, Department of Economics and Business, University of Catania, Andrea Colli, Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Italy and Sanjay Goel, Professor and Burwell Chair of Entrepreneurship, Middleton School of Entrepreneurship and Management, University of North Dakota, US