Franchising microbusinesses: coupling identity undoing and boundary objects

Abstract

PurposeThis study presents an original empirically based conceptual framework representing mobile microbusiness founders' experiences when converting to a franchise business model that links individual-level variables to a sociomaterial process.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory interpretive research design produced this framework using data from the enterprise development narratives of mobile franchisors who had recently converted their mobile microbusinesses to a franchise business model.FindingsThe emergent framework proposes that franchisor’s conversion experience involves substantial identity work prompted by an identity dilemma originating in a conflict between role expectations and franchising operational demands. This dilemma materializes during franchise document creation and requires some degree of “identity undoing” to ensure business continuity. By acting as boundary-objects-in-use in the conversion process, the franchise documents provide a sociomaterial foundation for the business transition and the development of a viable franchisor identity.Research limitations/implicationsThere is scant literature addressing the startup experiences of mobile microbusiness franchisors. The study was therefore exploratory, producing a substantive conceptual framework that will require further confirmatory studies.Practical implicationsBy proposing that conversion to a franchise business model is experienced as an identity transformation coupled to a sociomaterial process centred on system documentation, this original empirically based conceptual framework not only addresses a gap in the individual-level literature on franchise development but also provides a framework to direct new research and discussions between intending franchisors and their professional advisors about person–enterprise fit.Originality/valueThe conceptual framework is the first to address franchisors' experience of transitioning any type of microbusiness to a franchise business model.

Are the Sins of the Father the Sins of the Sons, but Not the Daughters? Exploring How Leadership Gender and Generation Impact the Corporate Social Responsibility of Franchise Firms

“…The responsible leadership of the franchisor offers a know-how model on how the franchisee has to apply the ethical and responsible principles to which the company is committed [11]. Although the analysis of responsible leadership has been considered a fundamental factor in CSR [12][13][14][15], its study within the context of the franchise is still poorly represented [16], and this is even more the case for the individual factors that affect responsible leadership, such as gender [17,18] and the leader's generation [19,20]. Extensive literature has recognised the impact of gender on business decision-making, and more specifically, on decisions related to CSR [21][22][23].…”