Family business in Bethlehem, Palestine : an exploratory study

الملخص EN

This study is aimed at exploring the issue of family business.

The main objectives of this study are first to probe and analyze the unique characteristics of family businesses in Bethlehem governorate.

Second, to analyze the macro and micro environment in which businesses operate.

Third, to identify major problems and challenges facing family businesses in Palestine with particular focus on the Bethlehem region.The study will contribute to the understanding of Palestinian family businesses operating in Bethlehem, an environment that is characterized by uncertainty, lack of stability and political unrest.

It will contribute to the literature on the subject since this is the first study of its kind, to the researchers’ knowledge, that investigates family business in Bethlehem.

The research will develop recommendations for improvement, thereby providing valuable insights that will have practical implications for business entrepreneurs, policy makers and consultants.

To achieve these objectives , a questionnaire was developed and used.

The questionnaire was distributed to 100 business managers and or owners of small businesses in different sectors in Bethlehem Governorate.

The businesses were randomly selected.

The findings revealed an absence of female entrepreneurs, lack of business plans, lack of IT awareness among entrepreneurs and inefficiency in utilizing resources.

The findings also indicated that some family members are employees within their business, others responsible shareholders.

The results have also shown great commitment on the part of managers and or owners to business continuity and sustainability.

Palestinian entrepreneurs are motivated to achieve economic success and growth.

They believe that the success of the business reflects well on the whole family and the failure will tarnish family name and image in society.

For startups, the results indicate that personal savings are the primary sources of start- up capital.

Based on the findings it is recommended that Palestinian family businesses adopt the option business “management” first not family “ownership” first.

Palestinian entrepreneurs need to pay more attention to visionary leadership and concentrate more on the development of business through the development of business plans, strategic plans, operation plans and marketing plans.

Working in unstable environment, as it is in Palestine , requires Palestinian entrepreneurs to take risk, be proactive, have a vision of the future and be innovative.

Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Family business, Small business, Entrepreneurship, Management, Bethlehem, Palestine.