The culture of conflict in family business

Abstract

Conflict is part of the human condition. Therefore, it is neither negative nor positive, but rather a natural phenomena. The negative connotations traditionally attributed to conflict are at odds with current theories that explain the use of the term as an engine of change and generator of competitive advantage. The fact that family business is defined by two different systems, the family and the business, can lead to the emergence of many conflicts, but it can also help a business be successful if it can correctly differentiate between the two. To this end, both parties, the family and the business, must keep their own interests at arm's length and focus on common interests and goals.