This new major work answers the growing global need for a resource that captures and presents a comprehensive overview of the literature in the field of family business. The last three decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in research on family businesses, as institutions have increasingly recognized that family businesses represent the most common form of business organization and a large part of the GDP in most countries. Scholars in the field have started to address critical questions such as: - Why do family firms deserve special research attention? - Are family firms really different from other business organizations? If so, how? And, so what? - Is there a shared definition of family firms? And, of family in business? - Are behavioral and governance issues that need attention in family enterprises any different from other firms? This four-volume work addresses these key concerns and provides a rich picture of what we know about family businesses and enterprising families, as well as including critical reflections on major areas and contributions. Volume One: Scope, Boundaries and Impact of Family Business Volume Two: The Business Family Volume Three: The Family Business Volume Four: Governance and Behavioural Issues in Family Business