摘要：The South African government recognizes the importance of entrepreneurial activity as a means of energizing the country’s economy and encouraging growth and development.The rapid growth in family businesses in South Africa can be attributed to the rationalization process taking place in many large organizations,as well as to the growing inability of the informal sector to create new jobs.However,the contribution of family businesses to socio-economic growth has never really received sufficient attention.This article expands on the work of previous family-business literature in South Africa.From the literature,there is evidence of family-business failure which is due to challenges that these businesses face.The aim of the research is to explore family-business challenges and small and medium enterprises in South Africa.A conceptual framework is provided,while secondary data were obtained from books,articles,reports,and electronic media.The units of observation are from experts in the entrepreneurial and familybusiness disciplines.Family businesses are faced with challenges such as market conditions,government policy and regulation and infrastructure.Other challenging areas include management and governance structures,succession,planning,cash flow and cost control,family-business relationships and skilled labor.Recommendations and familybusiness research areas are also presented.
关键词：The South African government recognizes the importance of entrepreneurial activity as a means of energizing the country’s economy and encouraging growth and development.The rapid growth in family businesses in South Africa can be attributed to the rationalization process taking place in many large organizations,as well as to the growing inability of the informal sector to create new jobs.However,the contribution of family businesses to socio-economic growth has never really received sufficient attention.This article expands on the work of previous family-business literature in South Africa.From the literature,there is evidence of family-business failure which is due to challenges that these businesses face.The aim of the research is to explore family-business challenges and small and medium enterprises in South Africa.A conceptual framework is provided,while secondary data were obtained from books,articles,reports,and electronic media.The units of observation are from experts in the entrepreneurial and familybusiness disciplines.Family businesses are faced with challenges such as market conditions,government policy and regulation and infrastructure.Other challenging areas include management and governance structures,succession,planning,cash flow and cost control,family-business relationships and skilled labor.Recommendations and familybusiness research areas are also presented.
