The Paradox of the Duplicated Family Business Families

In his lecture „The Paradox of the Duplicated Family Business Families Part I“ (2023), Prof. Dr Arist von Schlippe introduces the concept of the duplicated entrepreneurial family. From the perspective of social systems theory, he demonstrates why entrepreneurial families are not „normal“ families, but must constantly deal with conflicting expectations: they are simultaneously a family, a group of owners and a social system linked to the business.

The presentation highlights that conflicts within entrepreneurial families often arise from differing contextual logics. Whilst family communication is geared towards a sense of belonging, equal treatment and emotional bonds, business logic is guided by criteria such as performance, decision-making, responsibility and sustainability. This gives rise to paradoxical situations, particularly when it comes to succession, ownership and fairness: what appears right from the family’s perspective may be problematic from the business’s perspective – and vice versa.

Prof. Dr Arist von Schlippe uses numerous examples to illustrate how important so-called context markers are for successful communication. If there are no clear indications as to whether the discussion is taking place within the context of the family, the entrepreneurial family or the company, misunderstandings and conflicts arise. The lecture thus offers a fundamental theoretical introduction to the polycontextuality of entrepreneurial families and lays the groundwork for understanding the second part of the lecture.