Family Involvement and The Entry Mode into Entrepreneurship: The Contingent Role of National Culture

This study examines the role of family involvement and national culture in entrepreneurs’ choice of mode of entry into entrepreneurship. Mode of entry consists of two choices: starting a new venture or taking over an existing firm. Specifically, we investigate how cultural values moderate the relationship between family involvement and their choice of business takeover. Using a cross-national sample of 3,831 respondents from 33 countries in Flash Eurobarometer data, we develop key variables and test our hypotheses employing hierarchical linear modelling. Our results show that the relationship between family involvement of entrepreneurs and their choice of business takeover is moderated by individualism, short term orientation, and power distance. This research contributes to understanding comparative international entrepreneurship based on national culture. Implications for policy makers and educators are discussed.