Not only is Ken Kaye a specialist in the field of conflict resolution, but he was also one of the first to examine the complex interpersonal dynamics that define family businesses. When he began specialising his practice in the mid-90s, he was struck with how different those familial relationships are in a family business, especially when fraught. As such, repairing the damage and resolving conflict – a critical task when considering the mental health of family business members – requires a different approach.
In his book, The Dynamics of Family Business: Building Trust and Resolving Conflict, Ken Kaye asserts that family businesses most commonly argue about the benefits of the business: who gets compensated and for how much. There is no sure solution, and sometimes, resolving conflict, re-establishing the equilibrium and continuing to work together do not correspond, despite best intentions. That said, addressing conflict with honest communication while differentiating between family benefits and work benefits is a good place to start when considering mental health in the family business.
