Sinergie | 2026
Authors: Floris M.; Argiolas G.; Dettori A.
DOI: 10.7433/s129.2026.04
Journal: Sinergie
Year: 2026
Publisher: Fondazione Cueim
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
Cited by: 0
Framework of the research. In an era of liquid modernity-characterized by uncertainty, acceleration, and fragmentation-family businesses must redefine resilience to effectively address evolving challenges. Although resilience has been extensively studied, few works explore its transformation under the pressures of liquid modernity. Purpose of the paper. This study examines how family firms reinterpret resilience by balancing continuity with the embrace of change. Methodology. A qualitative multiple-case study approach was employed, analyzing 10 Italian family businesses through 30 semi-structured interviews with senior family members, next-generation leaders, and non-family executives. Secondary sources, including company reports and market analyses, were used for triangulation. Results. Findings reveal that family firms build resilience through strategic rhythm and communionship—a mechanism based on relational anchoring, strengthened ties, and trust-based decision-making. Research limitations. This study is limited to Italian family firms, requiring further validation across different cultural and institutional contexts. Employing a longitudinal approach could enhance understanding of how resilience evolves over time. Managerial implications. This study emphasizes the need for inclusive decision-making, trust-building, and a long-term vision as key drivers of resilience. Family firms' ability to integrate stability and adaptability offers valuable insights for managing uncertainty in dynamic environments. Originality of the paper. By introducing the concepts of communionship and strategic rhythm, the paper shifts resilience theory toward a relational model, providing a novel lens to explore family business responses to liquid modernity. © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Fondazione CUEIM. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode).
communionship; family business resilience; liquid modernity; relations