As sons and daughters marry, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law become significant actors in the family business drama. Some in-laws become directly involved by ac-
cepting positioias in the family firm. If a son or daughter is also employed in the firm, rivalry and conflict may develop. For example, family members may disagree about how 'rewards for performance should compare for an. in-law and a son or daughter.
For a time, effective collaboration may be achieved by assigning family members to different branches or roles within the company. Eventually, competition for top leadership will force decisions that distinguish among children and in-laws ernployed in the business. Being fair and retaining family loyalty become more difficult as the number of family employees increases.
Sons, daughters, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law who are on the sidelines are also participants with an important stake in the business. For example, if a daughter is married to someone on the family payroll, she will see a decision by a parent affecting her husband as both a family decision and a business decision. Giving the nod to a son-in-law thus becomes more than merely promoting another employee in a business.