DOI: 10.1108/jfbm-03-2026-0085 ISSN: 2043-6238
How the next-generation shapes strategic attention: an attention-based view of AI adoption in family firms
Sonia Mair, Nadine H. KammerlanderPurpose
This study examines how next-generation leaders shape organizational attention to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in family firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the attention-based view, we use a hybrid Delphi design with 25 experts to identify and evaluate attention-shaping factors.
Findings
The results show that next-generation leaders act as “attention brokers,” leveraging informal influence, foresight and reframing to redirect organizational focus toward AI.
Originality/value
The study contributes by highlighting the role of attentional agency in explaining heterogeneity in innovation responses and AI adoption across family firms.