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Help One Another, Use One Another: Toward an Anthropology of Family Business

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  • Alex Stewart

Abstract

Anthropological kinship theory is explored for potential contributions to a theory of family business. This article considers the costs and benefits of a role for kinship in business. Both derive from the discrepancy between the normative orders of kinship and markets; respectively, long–term generalized reciprocity and short–term balanced reciprocity. Because the former reflects the morality of society as a whole, kinship integrates social fields more readily than more specialized orders like markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Stewart, 2003. "Help One Another, Use One Another: Toward an Anthropology of Family Business," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 27(4), pages 383-396, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:27:y:2003:i:4:p:383-396
    DOI: 10.1111/1540-8520.00016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Whyte, Martin King, 1996. "The Chinese Family and Economic Development: Obstacle or Engine?," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 45(1), pages 1-30, October.
    2. Alex Stewart, 1990. "The Bigman Metaphor for Entrepreneurship: A “Library Tale” with Morals on Alternatives for Further Research," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 1(2), pages 143-159, May.
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