Professor Ellie Hamilton from the Department of Entrepreneurship Strategy and Innovation (DESI) was invited to speak at the International Family Enterprise Research Academy (IFERA) Annual Conference 2016 in Colombia. The title of her presentation ‘Researching Family Business: Towards narrative’ highlighted the powerful potential of narrative in developing theory in the field. She also delivered a faculty and doctoral development workshop entitled ‘Emotions in Qualitative Research – expect tears’.

In addition, Dr Allan Discua Cruz, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship in DESI, presented his work on the topic of entrepreneurial stewardship and chaired the research track on ‘Culture and Family Dynamics’.

The conference, which took place from June 27th to June 3oth, was hosted by INALDE Business School in Bogota.  It was the first time the conference had been held outside Europe, and Latin America was chosen because of the importance of family businesses as a major economic actor in the region. The theme “Narratives in Family Business” covered aspects that are central to being, remaining and succeeding as a family business.

Professor Hamilton said: “IFERA is a vibrant community of scholars which continues to develop and expand the field of family business research. We enjoyed fantastic Colombian hospitality in Bogota. There was great interest in the research in family business conducted at Lancaster University. IFERA 2016 was a significant gathering of academics in an academic community which continues to be going from strength to strength.”