Panacea or Pandora: A Conflict Theory Perspective on Family Offices

Abstract

Using a conflict lens, I apply a distinction of relationship, task and process conflict to different types of family offices (FOs). Drawing on case evidence of 21 FOs, complemented by a longitudinal content analysis of the daily business press, I examine and discuss the antecedents and consequences of conflict contingent on particular governance structures. The results generate a richer understanding of conflicts in FOs and may be transferable to organizational research in general. Furthermore, the study implicates that control mechanisms in line with agency or stewardship theory may moderate the relation between conflicts and the processes and outcomes of governance choices.