Management problems arising from generation conflicts in family businesses: The example of Elazığ province

The coexistence of different generations in family businesses causes generation conflicts, management as the generations have different qualities from each other. Conflicts may negatively affect company activities or even cause their termination. This situation brings up two concepts described as generation conflict and management problems. The main purpose of this study is to examine the management problems that arise with the involvement of new generations in family companies operating in Elâzığ province and to reveal the intergenerational conflicts that may occur. The study population consists of 4.500 family businesses of different scales registered to Elâzığ Chamber of Commerce and Industry operating in Elâzığ province. The sample consists of 354 family businesses representing the universe. The research data was conducted using the survey method, which is a micellar research method. For the analysis of the questions, 500 family businesses were accessed, 400 family businesses were interviewed one-on-one, and 354 of these businesses were evaluated. Data analysis was carried out using the licensed SPSS 22.0 package program. In the analysis of data; Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, validity (factor), reliability (cronbach alpha) and t test analyzes were used. According to the fındings obtained in the study, it was determined that in family companies in Elâzığ province, the upper generation behaves interventionistly, job centered on family members, the transfer of authority and responsibility is determined by the decision of the family council, and blood and marriage ties are taken into consideration when it comes to promotions. In line with these fındings, it has been determined that problems regarding institutionalization, execution, transfer and organization functions have come to the fore in family companies in Elâzığ province, and that there are no problems in planning, coordination and supervision functions.