Social Systems Theory and Family Business: A Perspective Article

Abstract

This perspective article highlights the significance of systems-theoretical approaches within family business research. Extant systems-theoretical literature in the field of family business research is reviewed to outline potential research gaps and avenues. The article highlights the fundamental differences between organisational decision communication and intimate family communication. At the same time, it shows that both organisations and families as addressable social systems that may be characterised by the specific ways in which these systems refer to and manage expectations represented by the function systems of society. The article demonstrates how the key family business research areas of boundary management, succession planning, and family-business paradoxes could benefit from leveraging systems theory.