Resource based view on multigenerational family dynasty: study of Sinebrychoff merchant and industrial family in the grand duchy of Finland (1809-1917)

Abstract

In the research paper historical inquiry will be conducted in order to trace the roots of family dynasty resources in the Late Empire Russia. To be precise, one successful, Russian origin, merchant and industrial family that made its business in the Grand Duchy of Finland will be analyzed. Major purpose lies in defining core resources and culture-specific attributes of family dynasty. The Russian merchant and industrial class on the verge of the 20th century represented the most powerful and financially efficient layer of business community, contributing yearly the lion’s share to the gross national product and employing thousands of former peasants in the Russian Empire. That is to say, after the liquidation of serf dependence first two decades of the 20th century (until the monarchy’s overthrow in 1917) were the most successful period for the Russian economy hitherto. With a great autonomy both economically and politically within the Russian Empire, Grand Duchy of Finland was practically a fertile field for multiple Russian entrepreneurial families to test innovative methods of production, establish good rapport with Western subcontractors and elaborate family business ownership in accord with international market terms. The results of the study show that resources in leadership, social capital, financial capital, decision-making, culture, relationships, governance, and knowledge, are needed in family business dynasty to survive from one generation to another.