Abstract: “This paper discusses the theoretical models which explain the discrimination against non-family members in small and medium-sized family firms, starting from the results of qualitative and longitudinal research carried out in a sample of SMEs (N = 12). This article also discusses the causes and reasons for such discriminatory behaviour. However, the findings of this research and the review of the scarce existent empirical literature, suggest that discriminatory behaviour against non-family members is confirmed but is a non-automatic phenomenon typical of family SMEs. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to integrate organizational and managerial approaches with more complex insights derived from the social psychology of inter-group relations.”

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