Ties that Bind? A Mediation Analysis Exploring Contract Use in Family versus Nonfamily Firms
基于代理理论，研究家族企业与非家族企业在使用正式控制措施（如书面协议）上的差异，发现企业经济目标部分中介了家族身份与书面协议存在之间的关系。
Based on the assumptions of agency theory, family business researchers have often argued that family firms are less likely to use formal methods of monitoring and control than nonfamily firms. We explore the relationship between family firm status and presence of a written agreement among the owners, a formal measure of control. We hypothesize economic goals and perceived level of risk taking and management efficacy will mediate the relationship between family firm status and presence of a written agreement. Results indicate that the primary goal of the firm serves as a partial mediator of this relationship.