The dynamics of families in business: How therapists can help in ways consultants don't

Family-owned businesses comprise 80-90% of companies in the United States o f America and employ almost one-half of the US work force. Only 70% of thes e companies will make the transition into the family's second generation of leadership, however, sometimes partly because families work differently an d toward different goals than do businesses. Interpersonal family dynamics- spousal, parental, father-son, father-daughter, sibling and in-law-can be a major factor in the failure to thrive. Exploring family systems theory, th is article explains why these troubled families in business together need t herapeutic practitioners' unique experience-experience consultants usually do not possess.