Emotions and negotiating in a family business

In the United States, approximately 90% of businesses are family owned, employing 60% of the work force. In addition, 30% of S&P 500 companies are family firms. Clearly, family businesses provide a strong source of economic growth and wealth in our nation. However, the majority of family firms don't survive past the second generation. More often than not, this is related to differences in priorities and perspective, along with a lack of communication between family members.