Family businesses form the backbone of many communities, often weaving and bringing together personal relationships and professional ambitions. Professor Hazel Melanie Ramos, a leading expert in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ of Nottingham Malaysia, has dedicated her research to understanding a unique and powerful force within these businesses: psychological ownership.

Psychological ownership refers to an individual’s emotional attachment and sense of possession towards their organisation or job, independent of formal ownership. Professor Ramos has uncovered how this sense of ‘mine’ influences both family members and non-family employees alike.  

A family running their business together

 

When employees feel a genuine emotional attachment – either to their job or even the company itself, they go beyond their formal duties. They introduce greater energy, creativity, and a stronger dedication to their roles, enriching the workplace culture and driving the business forward. 

A positive work environment including both family and non-family employees

Creating a Sense of ‘Mine’ in Family Businesses 

“What makes family businesses special is this invisible bond employees develop, which is some kind of pride and responsibility that fuels passion. Understanding and nurturing this psychological ownership can transform how people work and relate to the company, regardless of whether they share the family name”, said Professor Ramos. 

One of the more fascinating insights is how family and non-family employees experience psychological ownership differently. While family members might feel a legacy to protect and pass on, non-family staff bring fresh perspectives and unique motivations.  

This dynamic interplay shapes how each group engages with their work, suggesting that family businesses must cultivate inclusive environments, from decision-making and communication to participation, where all employees feel valued and connected. 

Bridging Generations and Building Resilience 

By nurturing psychological ownership, family businesses can boost employee satisfaction, commitment and retention. In an age of rapid modernisation and development, it is crucial that family enterprises stay relevant and resilient, and consider the workplace in more than purely functional terms. 

In recognition of the significance of this research, Professor Ramos also helped co-establish the Annual Asia Pacific Family Business Symposium with other partner institutions, uniting scholars and practitioners to deepen understanding and innovation in family firms across the region. 

Beyond a livelihood, work can also be inclusive, meaningful, and participatory, and businesses have a fundamental role to play in nurturing these values.