This book considers the differential occurrence and impact of deviance and dysfunction on family firms.  The author argues that how family systems develop in family, cultural, and societal contexts, strongly affects differences in the types and levels of negative behaviours in family firms. 

By considering the context of recent developments and extensions in family systems theory, this book will guide future research investigating the impact of broader definitions of family to consider socio-legal, social-biological, and role-based families. It provides a retrospective look that lays the groundwork for a future research agenda that can blend and develop current management theory as it relates to family firms with the latest developments in family systems theory.