NAVIGATING FAMILY TENSION: THE PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF CONFLICT ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION IN FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES

Authors

  • Amy Lee Gooch Faculty of Commerce, Independent Institute of Education, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Daniella Teles Amaral Faculty of Commerce, Independent Institute of Education, Johannesburg, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1568-9181

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37335/ijek.v14i1.384

Keywords:

Conflict, employee motivation, family-owned businesses, organisational conflict.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the perceived influence of conflict on employee motivation in family-owned businesses in South Africa. Given the economic significance of family businesses and their vulnerability to relational tensions, the study aimed to understand how different forms of conflict affect both family and non-family member employees. An exploratory qualitative research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 family and non-family members employed in small- to medium-sized family businesses across multiple industries in South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in conflict dynamics, motivational factors, and conflict management practices. The findings indicate that conflict commonly arises from interpersonal tensions, blurred boundaries between family and business roles, power imbalances and communication breakdowns. Unresolved conflict negatively affects employee motivation, particularly among non-family-member employees, resulting in emotional strain, decreased job satisfaction, and reduced productivity. However, structured communication practices, role clarity and employee recognition have been found to mitigate these effects and enhance motivation. The study provides practical insights for family business owners and managers by emphasising the importance of formal communication structures and clear role delineation. It contributes to the family business literature by empirically linking conflict dynamics to employee motivation and highlighting differentiated experiences of family and non-family member employees.

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Author Biographies

Amy Lee Gooch, Faculty of Commerce, Independent Institute of Education, Johannesburg, South Africa

Amy Gooch completed her undergraduate degree at IIE Emeris Sandton and went on to earn her Honours degree in Management there. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to scholarly development and academic excellence. She is dedicated to contributing meaningfully to the body of knowledge in Management Studies and is particularly interested in research that bridges theoretical understanding and practical organisational application. Her academic work reflects a keen interest in critical inquiry and evidence-based analysis, with a focus on producing research that adds value to both academia and industry.

Daniella Teles Amaral, Faculty of Commerce, Independent Institute of Education, Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr Daniella Amaral is a scholar in Management Studies with research interests in entrepreneurship, business management and small business management. She holds a PhD in Management and has been recognised for excellence in teaching, receiving prestigious lecturing awards at her institution. Her academic work reflects a strong commitment to integrating theory and practice, with a focus on producing research that contributes to both scholarly advancement and organisational impact. As Head of Faculty, Dr Amaral is actively involved in curriculum development, academic leadership, and fostering a research-oriented culture within her department. She is passionate about mentoring postgraduate students and supporting the development of critical, reflective, and ethically grounded management professionals. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr Amaral contributes to academic service through postgraduate supervision and peer review activities. She remains committed to advancing scholarship that deepens understanding of management practice and strengthens the connection between entrepreneurial theory and organisational reality.

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Gooch, A. L., & Amaral, D. T. (2026). NAVIGATING FAMILY TENSION: THE PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF CONFLICT ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION IN FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge, 14(1), 112–128. https://doi.org/10.37335/ijek.v14i1.384

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge

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