Trans-generational continuity of the owning family: Identity formation, relationship dynamics, and emotional influence

Markus Plate, Ethel Brundin

Family businesses are emotionally complex for the owning family. Joint ownership and work in the business gives rise to positive emotions that foster joy and pride, strengthening family relationships and identities, but also other emotions like shame and guilt, challenging identities and family relationships.

Our research, based on life path interviews with family business owners, shows how these processes unfold and highlights the importance of constructive family communication.

Research output

• Brundin, E., & Languilaire, J. C. (2022). When the display of emotion is not enough: An emotion boundary management perspective on the quality of strategic decisions. Long Range Planning, 102245.
• Brundin, E., & Plate, M. (2022). The Social Sharing of Emotions and Threatened Identities in Family Businesses: Common Challenges and Women’s Disadvantages. In The Power of Inclusion in Family Business. Emerald Publishing Limited.
• Brundin, E., Liu, F., & Cyron, T. (2021). Emotion in strategic management: A review and future research agenda. Long Range Planning, 102144.

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