Action research in a Family Business:  Example of a Qualimetrics Intervention-Research Carried out in a Small Family Company in the Middle East

The model of strategy proposed by the socio-economic theory of organizations favors the role of human potential. Cohesion is a predisposition of individuals and groups to synchronize and cooperate. Cohesion appears as one of the major factors of success of endogenous and proactive strategies. This internal cohesion – bedrock of the organization – enhances sustainable strategic organizational performance. We will analyze through this qualimetric research, based on 35 cases of companies and organizations, that the organizational leverage - or multiplier effect constitutes an Intangible Investments on Qualitative Development of Human Potential (IIQDHP) through the cohesion degree and sustainable socio-economic performance.

Despite the informality of management in small family businesses, action research has been conducted to address the organization governance. In this article, action research is discussed as a mechanism for enhancing reflexivity on business operations. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with all the company actors in a small business. This article reveals the impact of action research in the context of a single small family business located in Lebanon. Results indicate that action research has potential as an approach for improving awareness in the field of family business governance in the Middle East, predominantly through its technique that can be customized to fit the requirements of an organization.

Keywords: Action research, small family business, socio-economic approach to management, SEAM, Qualimetrics intervention-research, family business in Lebanon