PSY | How can Business Families preserve Continuity across Generations?

This question was at the center of the contributions presented by Prof. Tarek el Sehity and doctoral researcher Lola Koller at the IFERA 2026 – the International Family Enterprise Research Academy Conference in Naples, the leading international conference on family business research.

Tarek el Sehity presented research on family purpose, developed over a decade in collaboration with Prof. Heinrich Liechtenstein from the IESE Business School. The study explores the concept of family purpose and its role to describe and explain multigenerational business families in aligning family members around values, goals, and long-term aspirations.

Lola Koller presented research on the role of in-laws in business families, focusing on what is referred to as the “Limbus of the third Generation”. The study examines how increasing family heterogeneity can be navigated while maintaining cohesion and business continuity, highlighting the importance of creating a shared sense of belonging across the wider family system.

Their contributions reflect SFU’s commitment to impactful research and international academic exchange.

Large conference room with red chairs, wooden walls, a large screen displaying 'ifera 2026 Naples LEGACY in Action 9-12 July', and large white letters 'IFERA26' on the floor.

Woman standing in front of a screen giving a presentation to seated people in a conference room.

Several people sit on transparent chairs around tables in a bright room with large windows while one person stands speaking in front of a painting on the wall.

Group of seven people wearing name badges standing in front of a wall with a colorful poster.

18 June 2026