Differences in the Outcomes of Work and Family Conflict between Family– and Nonfamily Businesses: An Examination of Business Founders

Abstract

This study examined the effects of work and family conflict on work tension for founders of family versus nonfamily businesses. Drawing on a model of conflict between work and family roles, it was predicted that founders of family businesses would experience significantly greater work tension from family–work conflict than for founders of nonfamily businesses. Conversely, it was predicted that work–family conflict would exert more negative effects on founders of nonfamily businesses than for those running family businesses. Results from a national (United States) sample of business founders supported these predictions. Implications for the management of work and family conflict in family versus nonfamily businesses are discussed.