Abstract

LESCURA, Carolina; BRITO, Mozar José de; CAPPELLE, Mônica Carvalho Alves  and  BORGES, Alex Fernando. Interaction between family and business: an application of the historiographic method and the genogram technique. Organ. Soc. [online]. 2012, vol.19, n.60, pp. 67-86. ISSN 1984-9230.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-92302012000100005.

Family businesses have specific characteristics which are the product of the interaction between family and business. To comprehend these two dimensions, it is sometimes necessary to use different methodological approaches to make the comprehension of such interaction possible. Thus, this paper investigates the dynamics between family and business by applying the historiographic method and the genogram technique. The results indicate that the application of these two methods extends the possibilities of comprehension about the interaction between family and business. The main contribution of this paper is of a methodological nature, because it indicates a qualitative research route that can be followed by other researchers interested in studying the interaction family-organization. It also may contribute to the advance of family business research, especially concerning the synergies and conflicts generated through the socially constructed relationships between family members and the family business.

Keywords : Family business; Interaction family-business; Historiographic method; Genogram technique; Case Study.