Mastering the Art of Talents in Family Businesses: Approaches for Sustainability in the Digitalization and E-Recruitment Era

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the methods by which family enterprises acquire and maintain the external expertise critical for their long-term growth, with a particular focus on the role of digitalization and e-recruitment. Additionally, it explores the factors that influence non-family staff, namely managers, to become and remain affiliated with the family company. Through the adoption of digitalization, family businesses can streamline their operations, improve communication, and enhance their strategic management processes. E-recruitment platforms further aid these enterprises by expanding their reach and enabling the efficient identification and onboarding of top talent. The findings of the exploratory study we carried out with a family firm validate the notion that family firms engender expectations and commitments, and that the establishment of a psychological contract between non-family employees and the family firm is crucial for enhancing the appeal of such firms, fostering employee commitment, and reducing attrition intentions. The integration of digital tools and e-recruitment strategies significantly strengthens these psychological contracts by providing a modern, transparent, and engaging recruitment and employment process. KEYWORDS: attractiveness, psychological contract, retention, family businesses, digitalization, e-recruitment