An investigation into selected determinants of family harmony in small and medium-sized family farms in South Africa

23 October 2013

The primary objective of this study was to empirically explore the determinants of family harmony in small and medium-sized family farms. Data from 244 questionnaires from 36 family farms were collected and analysed. Three factors with eigen-values greater than one were extracted, explaining 63.56% of the variance, describing the theoretical dimensions of the dependent variable family harmony and the independent variables existence of family forums and conflict management. The impact of the existence of family forums and conflict management on family harmony was examined by means of multiple linear regression analysis. The results indicate that a significant proportion of the variation in family harmony among family members in family farms is explained by the existence of family forums and the management of conflict among family members. The findings thus indicate that family harmony among family members in the participating family farms is related to the existence of family forums and conflict management. Practical recommendations are made to improve family relationships in family farming businesses