ABSTRACT

In this chapter, a route map is laid out to provide the reader with a set of signposts and directions with which to journey through and explore the dominant antecedents and approaches that have shaped understanding of the work-family-small business relationship. A substantial literature has emerged over the past thirty years concerned with raising the profile of family businesses as a special area of study. Studies have focused on: definitional issues and the contribution of family firms to national employment and gross domestic product (Donckels and Fröhlich, 1991; Cromie et al., 1995; Daily and Dollinger, 1993; Litz, 1995; Poutziouris and Chittenden, 1996; Shanker and Astrachan, 1996; Westhead, 1997); strategic management practices in family firms (Beckhard and Dyer, 1983; Gersick et al., 1997) and the complex nature of the business-family-work relationship (Holland and Boulton, 1984; Dyer and Handler, 1994). In the following sections, the reader is introduced to the contributors to this book and also to other scholars who are enhancing understanding of the small family business sector. In embarking on this journey, the reader will become familiar with current research interests and how support or policy initiatives may be directed in the future.