Saving Face in the Family Business: Communication Across Different Generations
Asian Family Business Case Studies
ISBN: 978-1-83753-761-7, eISBN: 978-1-83753-760-0
Publication date: 10 July 2024
Abstract
Taking the element of saving face into account, this chapter uses LJN Resources as an example, specifically the communication pattern between the manager, Mr John (Gen Y category), and the founder, Mr Lim (Baby Boomers category), in which the son-in-law and father-in-law relationship complicates the communication dynamics. Communication exchange in the western versus eastern society is explained. Utilising lifespan development perspective as the framework, communication among employees of different ages in family business is examined, particularly those at the establishment stage versus maintenance stage. Application of two models of communication in choice theory, namely (a) caring habits replacing deadly habits and (b) circle of strength replacing triangle of pain, is being discussed.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
The case illustrated is based on a real family firm located in Malaysia. To protect the privacy of the family involved in this case, we have changed all names.
Citation
Ng, J.H. and Irviana, L. (2024), "Saving Face in the Family Business: Communication Across Different Generations", Feranita, F., Lin, W.L., Khong, K.W. and Goh, S.K. (Ed.) Asian Family Business Case Studies, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 73-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-760-020241008
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024 Joo Hou Ng and Lala Irviana. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited