For example, the family system is an emotional one, stressing relationships and rewarding loyalty with love and with care. Entry into this system is by birth, and membership is permanent. In addition, families have their own style of communicating and resolving conflicts, which they have spent years perfecting. These styles may be good for family situations but may not be the best ways to resolve business conflicts. Conversely, the business system is unemotional and contractually based.
Entry is based on experience, expertise and potential.
Membership is contingent upon performance, and performance is rewarded materially. And like the home environment, businesses have their own communication, conflict resolution and decision-making styles. Conflicts arise when roles assumed in one system intrude on roles in the other, when communication patterns used in one system are used in the other or when there are conflicts of interest between the two systems. For example, a conflict may arise between parent and child, between siblings or between a husband and wife when roles assumed in the business system carry over to the family system. Alternatively, a role assumed in the family may not work well in the business.