Passing the baton, holding the storm: Generational Transfer of Resilience in Fiji's Family Businesses

<p><strong>Family businesses can sustain through generations, springing back from challenges and adversities. This study investigates how resilience is understood, developed and transferred across generations within family businesses in Fiji. Employing a qualitative methodology using the semantic analysis tool Leximancer, the research draws on fourteen in-depth semi-structured interviews with family business owners/ managers to explore the connection between resilience and business longevity, and to understand how resilience is passed on to successive generations. The findings highlight "people" as the most dominant theme, emphasising the importance of personal commitment and strong relational ties within Fiji’s cultural and familial context. The concept of "business" also emerged as central, with participants viewing family enterprises as inter-generational endeavours rooted in adaptability, innovation, open communication, and mutual support. Intergenerational training, particularly led by father figures or senior family members, was found to be critical in ensuring continuity during periods of disruption such as pandemics, market fluctuations, and natural disasters. Additionally, good governance and meaningful work practices were identified as vital for promoting succession planning, transparency, role clarity, and accountability. The study also reveals diverse interpretations of resilience among participants: some perceived it as inherent, others as attribute-based, outcome-driven, or process-oriented. Several recognised it as a combination of these dimensions. These findings underpin the complex, multifaceted nature of resilience in family businesses and offer practical insights for enhancing sustainability and leadership continuity for family firms.</strong></p>