How Do Family Businesses Embark on Digital Transformation? A Call for Future IS Research

This paper presents novel pathways for Information Systems (IS) research within the context of family business. As these enterprises navigate the impacts of digital transformation, understanding the intersection of IS and familial commerce has become imperative. Specifically, we address the following questions: (1) What are the key intersections between IS research questions and the nuanced context of family businesses? (2) How can IS researchers contribute to the understanding and advancement of family businesses within the context of India, and in GREAT (Growing, Rural, Eastern, Aspirational, and Transitional) economies more broadly? Our extensive literature review showcases emerging trends in family business research and lessons from history and practice that are valuable for family firms in GREAT nations such as India. We also review existing IS research on issues centered around the family business context. Underscoring unexplored research inquiries that resonate with insights from Indian business history, we advocate for further research at the crossroads of IS and family business, acknowledging the existing scarcity of scholarly contributions within this domain.