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Small Family Business Survival: Strategies For Coping With Overlapping Family And Business Demands

Author

Listed:
  • LINDA S. NIEHM

    (Department of Apparel, Educational Studies, and Hospitality Management, 1066 Le Baron Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1121, USA)

  • NANCY J. MILLER

    (Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design, 105 HECO, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0800, USA)

  • MACK C. SHELLEY

    (Department of Statistics and Department of Political Science, 539 Ross Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1204, USA)

  • MARGARET A. FITZGERALD

    (Department of Child Development and Family Science, NDSU Dept. 2615, P.O. Box 6050, 283G EML Hall, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105-6050, USA)

Abstract

This study identified 14 adjustment strategies employed by household and business managers to cope with overlapping work and family demands using data from 1997 and 2000 versions of the National Family Business Survey (NFBS). Significant differences were found between surviving small family firms by managerial role (single or dual) regarding gross income, gender, number of children under age 18, community size and trade sector. Both surviving and non-surviving enterprises tended to bring household work to the business field when times were hectic and demanding, and took care of family responsibilities while at the business. However, in non-surviving businesses, business managers reported a greater tendency to bring work home, demonstrating that work entered the family field more frequently than in surviving businesses. Managers of surviving businesses were more likely to make financial adjustments by hiring temporary help for the business or home, and less likely to ask others to help in the business without pay. Significant differences were also noted regarding the use of non-financial adjustments; managers of surviving family businesses were able to shift away from business work to spend time on family aspects, and to spend less time sleeping to help the business.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda S. Niehm & Nancy J. Miller & Mack C. Shelley & Margaret A. Fitzgerald, 2009. "Small Family Business Survival: Strategies For Coping With Overlapping Family And Business Demands," Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship (JDE), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 14(03), pages 209-232.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:jdexxx:v:14:y:2009:i:03:n:s1084946709001314
    DOI: 10.1142/S1084946709001314
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria I. Marshall & Holly L. Schrank, 2020. "Sink or Swim? Impacts of Management Strategies on Small Business Survival and Recovery," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-21, August.
    2. Rajan, Bharath & Salunkhe, Uday & Kumar, V., 2023. "Understanding customer engagement in family firms: A conceptual framework," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    3. Yoon G. Lee & Margaret A. Fitzgerald & Kenneth R. Bartkus, 2017. "Adjustment Strategy Use in Minority Family Businesses: Differences Across Gender," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 38(1), pages 1-17, March.
    4. Renee D. Wiatt & Yoon G. Lee & Maria I. Marshall & Virginia S. Zuiker, 2021. "The Effect of Cash Flow Problems and Resource Intermingling on Small Business Recovery and Resilience After a Natural Disaster," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 203-214, March.

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