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Sibling rivalry: implications for the family business succession process

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Abstract

This paper deals with sibling rivalry dynamics and their impact on the succession outcome within family enterprises. While sibling rivalry plays a critical role in the succession process, there is only limited literature that addresses this important subject. This theoretical study reveals valuable insights on this topic and contributes to the existing literature. Particular attention is placed on parental behavior and attitude during childhood, sibling characteristics and the perception of parental fairness by the successors, which we advocate are the principal factors conducive not only to the emergence of rivalry among heirs but also to influencing the effectiveness of the succession outcome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece, 47A Evelpidon Street, Athens, Greece, 113 62

    Angeliki Avloniti, Anastasia Iatridou & Ioannis Kaloupsis

  2. Division of Professional Studies, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Kieffer Hall, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA

    George S. Vozikis

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  1. Angeliki Avloniti
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  2. Anastasia Iatridou
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  4. George S. Vozikis
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Correspondence to George S. Vozikis.

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Avloniti, A., Iatridou, A., Kaloupsis, I. et al. Sibling rivalry: implications for the family business succession process. Int Entrep Manag J 10, 661–678 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-013-0271-6

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