Tacit knowledge and family businesses: a multiple case study

This study aims to understand how tacit knowledge is shared during the process of business management succession in large family businesses in the city of Jaragua do Sul, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The research was carried out based on interviews with the leaders of these companies and analysis of internal documents. The results indicate that the companies studied have practices of sharing tacit knowledge through intense coexistence (company-home -family), mentoring, training and teamwork, but that there is still room for improvement. Theoretical implications highlight the importance of sharing tacit knowledge for successful business succession. The practical implications suggest the need to develop strategies to improve tacit knowledge sharing practices in family businesses. The social implications point to the need to consider the importance of business succession for the continuity and development of family businesses and, consequently, for the local economy.