ABSTRACT
Every conception of a family, firm, relationship, interaction, or problem is based on a certain view, tacit or explicit, of reality. Both for the families and for their businesses, the practical implications of these apparently theoretical issues are quite profound. Whenever people are searching for a common ground in the everyday discussions about themselves and the world, developing a single strategy, resolving issues of alignment in the firm, or coming to terms with values, ideas, and goals in the family, the premise of truth is valid. In family businesses, typical stories revolve around the founder, past relevant obstacles and difficulties, successes, the succession, future plans, and the tradition, honor, reputation, affect, money, or love that join the players around a supposedly unique, but in fact unrealistic, essence. Consistency, rather than faithfulness to the facts, is the sieve that defines whether a certain narrative is “true” and the contract embedded in one’s identity stories should be socially accepted.
