Goal Congruity within Copreneurial Partners: An Exploration of Family Business Continuance

Abstract

This study utilized data from the 1997 and 2000 waves of the National Family Business Survey to explore goal processes of 320 copreneurial and noncopreneurial family business households. Ecological systems theory (Deacon & Firebaugh, 1988) was used as a framework for the study. Copreneurial households (n = 117) were compared to noncopreneurial households (n = 203), and three variables were found to differ significantly: value orientation, business manager perception of business goal achievement, and relationship continuance. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the predictive relationship between goal congruity, other family business variables, and business continuance. None of the variables were significant predictors of business continuance. Recommendations are made for professionals working with family businesses.