Background: Family Businesses represent the highest proportion of businesses in the world (Lin, 2012). Globalisation offers new business opportunities for growth and in-ternational diversification. Generally the internationalisation of family businesses is a well-studied field in family business research (Kontinen & Ojala, 2009). Still, there are certain shortcomings when it comes to the specific area of corporate governance adapta-tion in family firms that open subsidiaries (Calabro & Mussolino, 2011). Hence, this paper analyses the proceedings of family firms that internationalise through a subsidi-ary. From a methodological standpoint, existing studies concerned with family business internationalisation focus on quantitative research approaches. The results of these in-clude some limitations, since they cannot account for questions such as how and why family firms proceed during diversification (Kontinen & Ojala, 2009). Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the rationale behind corporate gov-ernance structures in family businesses, focusing on the special case of internationalisa-tion through a subsidiary. Frame of Reference: A summary of recent research regarding the three main issues family businesses, internationalisation, and corporate governance will be given in the frame of reference. This theoretical background will serve as the basis for a solid analy-sis of our empirical data. Method: A qualitative approach with an extensive literature review and a case study based on in-depth interviews with employees of the company Väderstad-Verken AB was chosen in order to fulfil the purpose. Conclusion: The rationale behind corporate governance structures when setting up a subsidiary abroad is driven by the ambition to preserve a family firms’ stewardship ori-ented culture and its informal structures. The result of this is better collaboration, which serves the mission of the business.

The purpose of this study is to better understand, from a foster parent perspective, how the integration process of the foster child is carried out in the foster family. The purpose is to identify the challenges and success factors in the process. The study is based on a qualitative method. The data consist of interviews with six foster families. The study’s theoretical framework is mostly based on system theory and also on the theory of ambivalence. The results show that most of our families considered five factors to be important in order to facilitate the integration process. The foster family needs to bond with the foster child, let the foster child in into the family system, open up and be who they really are, respect each other and reserve time to be able to satisfy the needs of foster child. The results emphasize that the foster parents should treat the foster child in the same way as the biological child.  We have also been able to identify factors that may have an impact on integration, like the age of the foster child. Our results suggest that foster parents experience different varieties of ambivalence to both the foster child and the foster child's biological parents. Those children who have a poor relationship with their biological parents and are of relatively young age tend to be over-integrated in the foster family.

[pt] O cenário atual das organizações tem demandado gestores capazes de atuar em um ambiente marcado por rápidas mudanças, relações de interdependência e diversidade da força de trabalho. Porém, o desenvolvimento das chamadas competências gerenciais não é um processo simples, pois envolve não apenas a compreensão das melhores práticas de gestão, mas também a capacidade para agir de modo diferente. Nesta pesquisa, buscamos uma maior compreensão do sujeito, em sua atuação organizacional, por meio de um olhar interdisciplinar, utilizando o referencial da teoria familiar sistêmica. Pretendemos avaliar como se expressam as experiências vividas na família de origem, na prática profissional dos gerentes. Para tal, realizamos 30 entrevistas, com gerentes de diferentes empresas. Os dados foram tratados utilizando-se análise de conteúdo. Verificamos que a família representa relevante força no desenvolvimento e na manutenção de características que compõem as competências de liderança, de motivação, de comunicação, de negociação e solução de conflitos, de tomada de decisão, de criatividade e de trabalho em equipe. Constatamos, também, que tais características podem se dar tendo em vista a origem étnica ou socioeconômica da família, a transmissão de posturas vindas de outros membros da família, os padrões familiares, os eventos críticos, as expectativas sobre o sujeito e os papéis por ele desempenhados, e as falas significativas de membros da família. Não ocorre, porém, uma simples relação de causa e efeito, tendo em vista que a família traz referências que podem ou não serem seguidas em seus múltiplos aspectos. Por fim, sugerimos que o conceito de autoconhecimento na literatura gerencial deva ser ampliado, para incorporar o conhecimento da dinâmica vivida na família de origem, pois esse parece ser um passo importante no processo de diferenciação do sujeito, refletindo-se na sua capacidade de escolher e adotar novos comportamentos. / [en] The current setting of organizations has demanded managers capable of working in environments marked by rapid changes, interdependency relationships and diversity of work force. However, the development of so called managerial competence is not an easy process, as it involves not only the understanding of the best managerial practices but also the capability to act in a different way. In this research, we pursue a better understanding of the individual in his organizational performance, through an interdisciplinary view, using the reference of systemic family theory. We seek to evaluate how the experiences lived by the family of origin are expressed in the professional practice of the managers. With that objective, we interviewed 30 managers from different companies, and the data were treated using content analysis. We found out that the family represents significant strength in the development and maintenance of characteristics which make up the competence of leadership, motivation, communication, negotiation and solution of conflicts, decision making, creativity and team work. We have concluded that those characteristics may also happen due to the ethnic as well as social and economical origins of the family, the transmission of postures deriving from the family members, family standards, critical events, the expectations regarding the individual as well as the roles played by him, and the significant talks by the family members. It does not, however, result in a simple cause and effect relationship, since families can set references which may or may not be followed in their multiple aspects. Finally, we suggest that the concept of self-knowledge in managerial literature should be widened, in order to incorporate the knowledge of dynamics lived in the family of origin, since this seems to be an important step in the process of differentiating the individual, reflecting upon his capability to choose and adopt new patterns of behavior.

[pt] O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender as características da dinâmica da família em que um ou mais de seus componentes é adicto a substâncias psicoativas. Utilizamos, para este fim, o referencial sistêmico. Entendemos que a dependência por substâncias seja tanto uma patologia em si, quanto um sintoma de um sistema familiar. Nas relações que se estabelecem entre o dependente e os outros membros da família, vai-se construindo uma teia relacional que, muitas vezes, perpetua os padrões disfuncionais que ajudam a manter a dependência. É indispensável, no tratamento da dependência, abordar os vínculos familiares, para que o sistema familiar possa encontrar alternativas mais saudáveis de relacionamento, a fim de promover uma progressiva mudança nos padrões de interação que são facilitadores da manutenção do comportamento adictivo. / [en] The purpose of this exertion is to understand the caracteristics of the family dynamics in the way that one or more of their components is addicted to alcohol and other drugs. To get to this outcome will use the systemic referencial. We understand that the substance dependence is a much a patology itself as a symptom related to a family system. In the individual´s relationship with the family and the same with the individual that is a drug user, it goes on establishing a tangled relational that the most of the times perpetuate the disfuncionals patterns that helps to sustain the dependence in the family. It is indispensable, in the treatment of the dependence, to come to grips with the family ties so that family system can find healthier alternatives in the relationship, in order to promote a progressive change in the interaction patterns that are facilitators for the maintenance of the addictive behavior.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:39:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Andreza Maria Neves Manfredini.pdf: 716113 bytes, checksum: 3d69d4c54ad326494e3f3fb7510745a9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-10-30 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Living in a society where publicity constitutes a mass appeal for consumption, children soon are brought into contact with money; therefore, raising children financially constitutes a challenge for parents. This research aimed at understanding how the process of financial education of children occurs inside middle class families, during the Acquisition Phase of the Vital Cycle, in the city of Tremembe, State of Sao Paulo. This study characterized itself as a qualitative research, carried out among parents and children at the age of 7 to 10. In order to collect data, three focal groups were formed: the first one composed of 6 parents, of which 5 were mothers and 1 father who had children at the age of 7 to 10; the other group composed of 9 children at the age of 7 to 8; and the third one composed of 5 children at the age of 9 to 10. The participants constituted a snowball sampling. During the narrative analysis, it was verified that the parents do not have the intentionality of educating their children towards money itself, and for that reason they make use of techniques developed in everyday family life. The older children are able to recognize that the parents have more experience in dealing with money, and therefore, believe that it is important to talk about this topic. It is realized that the financial education model passed on to the parents is the same that they will try to pass on to their children. It is also realized that the action of saving should be made continuous and a priority, as well as family talks, in order that children are able to act as citizens and not only ordinary consumers, in the near future / Vivendo numa sociedade em que as propagandas constituem um forte apelo ao consumo, as crianças muito cedo entram em contato com o dinheiro; portanto, educar os filhos financeiramente constitui um desafio para os pais. Esta pesquisa procurou compreender como ocorre o processo de educação financeira dos filhos em famílias de classe média, na Fase de Aquisição do Ciclo Vital, na cidade de Tremembé, interior de São Paulo. Este estudo caracterizou-se como uma pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com pais e filhos nas idades de 7 a 10 anos. Para coleta de dados, foram realizados três grupos focais: um deles com a participação de 6 pais, sendo 5 mães e 1 pai que tinham filhos nas idades de 7 a 10 anos; outro, com 9 crianças de 7 a 8 anos; e o terceiro com a participação de 3 crianças de 9 a 10 anos. Os participantes constituíram uma amostra por bola de neve (snow ball samplig). Na análise das narrativas, constatou-se que os pais não têm a intencionalidade de educar os filhos em relação ao dinheiro e, por esse motivo, usam técnicas construídas no cotidiano familiar. As crianças maiores reconhecem que os pais têm mais experiência que eles, para lidar com o dinheiro, e, por isso, acreditam que seja importante conversar sobre esse assunto. Percebe-se que o modelo de educação financeira recebida pelos pais é a que se procura passar para os filhos. Foi percebido, também, que o ato de poupar deve ser contínuo e prioritário, assim como as conversas em família, para que as crianças possam exercer o papel de cidadãs, e não o de consumistas, num futuro próximo

The honour norm is strong within the Middle East but is scattered all over the world. As a result of immigration, the honorary context has become more established in Sweden. Violence, committed in the name of honour, is commonly executed by male family members. Thus, young men are forced, in some degree, to participate in the oppression and control of their sisters. Violence exercised in the name of honour, can be traced back to the patriarchal family system in which woman are subordinate to men. The purpose of this study is to highlight the young men's subjective perspective to honour and honour-related violence, as well as if they have managed to distance themselves from it. In the study, interviews are conducted with four young men. The results obtained show that some of the young men have an ambivalent attitude to certain matters relating to honour and what is not acceptable female behaviour. The results reveal that certain parts of the patriarchal thinking are identified in the opinions of some of the young men interviewed. Further, the results also suggest that education and community action are essential for the discussion of honour and the honour norm, in order to create change.

Preschool children play an active role in their own development through their interaction with the environment that takes place in the form of unstructured play. Unstructured play is a creative expression of preschool children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional self and creates opportunities to learn important skills and values necessary for the mastery of their world. The researcher became aware, from practical experience as a social worker in private practice, of more and more preschool children who are exposed to structured play with the aim to promote their development. This aspect can contribute towards preschool children not developing in a natural manner that will lead to the devaluation of unstructured play. The overall objective of this study was to explore and describe parents’ perceptions of the value of unstructured play for their preschool children in order to make recommendations to professionals offering parental guidance to parents, with regards to the value of unstructured play for preschool children. A qualitative phenomenological research design was adopted to explore and describe parents’ perceptions and experiences of unstructured play. Two focus group discussions were conducted and two main themes were identified by analysing the data. The main themes are participants’ perception of the value of unstructured play and participants’ choice in respect of unstructured versus structured play. The conclusion drawn by the researcher is that parents are aware of the valuable contribution of unstructured play towards their preschool children’s development. However, participants argue that certain external factors contribute to their choice of structured play over unstructured play to promote their preschool children’s development. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Preschool children play an active role in their own development through their interaction with the environment that takes place in the form of unstructured play. Unstructured play is a creative expression of preschool children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional self and creates opportunities to learn important skills and values necessary for the mastery of their world. The researcher became aware, from practical experience as a social worker in private practice, of more and more preschool children who are exposed to structured play with the aim to promote their development. This aspect can contribute towards preschool children not developing in a natural manner that will lead to the devaluation of unstructured play. The overall objective of this study was to explore and describe parents’ perceptions of the value of unstructured play for their preschool children in order to make recommendations to professionals offering parental guidance to parents, with regards to the value of unstructured play for preschool children. A qualitative phenomenological research design was adopted to explore and describe parents’ perceptions and experiences of unstructured play. Two focus group discussions were conducted and two main themes were identified by analysing the data. The main themes are participants’ perception of the value of unstructured play and participants’ choice in respect of unstructured versus structured play. The conclusion drawn by the researcher is that parents are aware of the valuable contribution of unstructured play towards their preschool children’s development. However, participants argue that certain external factors contribute to their choice of structured play over unstructured play to promote their preschool children’s development. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

L'étude porte sur la différenciation de la femme en fonction de sa perception de la structure de sa famille d'origine. Une description du processus identitaire a d'abord précédé, pour en venir par la suite, à une élaboration sur la famille et sur son influence dans le processus de la différenciation. Afin d’en vérifier le taux auprès des femmes, 56 d'entre elles ont été retenues parmi les quelques centaines de participantes. Elles devaient identifier la dyade la plus importante dans leur famille d'origine, s'enquérir du choix de leur mère et par la suite compléter le Personal Authority in Family System-Questionnaire (version québécoise). Les résultats obtenus montrent une différence entre les groupes à seulement deux échelles et permettent de conclure que les femmes issues de la lignée familiale privilégiant la dyade «mère-enfant» pourraient présenter des indices de fusion et pourraient être plus indifférenciées que celles issues de la lignée familiale «mère-père».

With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. With the maturation of the child custody investigative process, the role of investigators and the process of these investigations have come under increasing scrutiny. The investigators are expected to be objective, neutral, and professional while following procedures that conform to model standards. However, this assumption of a lack of bias has been largely overlooked in the literature regarding the investigative process. It is assumed that investigators should self-monitor to ensure that their stance is objective and neutral. Furthermore, this position of neutrality and objectivity is assumed to be intuitive and natural. By using a case study, this thesis investigates and describes the process of a child custody investigation predicated on a constructivist epistemology. It highlights the impossibility of any investigator to be objective and neutral in any investigation automatically, regardless of the procedures and methods employed. The thesis highlights the participant observer status of investigators. An aim of the thesis is thus to sensitise investigators to this inevitable vulnerability with the expectation that such an awareness may allow investigators to establish processes to render investigations consciously more balanced, considered, and transparent. A further aim is to describe a child custody evaluation from an eco-systemic perspective by contextualising the investigation in the larger ecosystem to which it belongs. This description includes the investigation as part of an evolving problem-determined system. An awareness of this wider and evolving context may enable investigators to approximate a position of objectivity and neutrality more effectively. It may also act as an inoculation against the ‘contamination’ of the investigator by the investigative system. xviii In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. In South Africa, we have yet to formulate a document that establishes a model standard of practice or specific, dedicated training in this area. This thesis identifies what could be included in both areas (in addition to the expected protocols and procedures) by describing the investigator’s position as an expert learner, rather than just an ‘expert’. In line with current literature, it highlights the benefits of thinking consciously and in a considered manner. Furthermore, it indicates the benefits of a team approach to investigations, which could be considered an area for further investigation. / Psychology / D. LITT et. Phil. ( Psychology)