Contributions of case study methodology to family business research: a bibliometric analysis and literature review

This study examines the role of case study methodology in family business research, addressing its fragmented and under-theorized contribution to the field. Based on a bibliometric and subsequent narrative literature review, we analyse 264 articles included in Web of Science during the first quarter of the 21st century (2000–2025). The findings show that case studies account for only 5.3% of family firm publications. The main research topics are succession, familiness, innovation, entrepreneurship and internationalization with socio-emotional wealth as the dominant theoretical framework. By bringing together scattered evidence, this study advances understanding of how case studies support theory development. The study highlights the need for greater theoretical integration, comparative designs, and longitudinal approaches. It also has practical implications for family firm managers seeking to understand complex governance and strategic dynamics, and policy implications for institutions looking to design more effective support mechanisms adapted to the heterogeneous nature of family firms.