Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine the effect that family factors (family relationships, family goals, family resources, family vision, family size and family tensions) have on the creation of family businesses. Data were collected from mangers/owners of 160 industrial businesses (family and non-family businesses) in oil and textile sectors of Iran based on structured questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed through Z-Test and Mann-Whitney test (U-Test). The results show that family relationships, family goals, family resources and family vision are affective factors, but some factors such as family size and family disagreements are not affective to creation of family businesses. On the other hand, all these factors are not affective to creation of non-family businesses.

Key words: Iran, family business, business creation, family factors.