Paradoxical communication and divergent logics in business families and family businesses - Systems-theoretical frameworks and applications

Business families navigate multiple complex social systems, oscillating between divergent logics and expectations. This often leads to paradoxical communication and increased tension. Using systems theory, this dissertation explores how business families manage the clash between family and business through communication. It combines a systematic literature review, a conceptual paper, and a qualitative study to reveal guiding distinctions within family, organizational, legal, economic, and political systems. Finally, it applies systemic coaching tools to help business families address paradoxes and dilemmas in succession and change processes.