| This research project examined the relationships of five sets of two-person, non-familial small business partners and provided an explanation as to the overall nature of the studied partnerships, as defined by their attributes, mood, and structure. Rather than concentrating on the businesses' productivity or the details by which they operate, the focus was on the partners' interpersonal dynamics and interaction patterns. A literature search focusing on the non-familial business partner relationship yielded limited results. While the topic is sporadically examined within the field of entrepreneurship, this examination does not concentrate on the psychological nature of the partnership relationship. The partners were interviewed in face-to-face interviews occurring in two phases. Transcripts of the three sets of interviews held in phase two of the study were examined and analyzed through a coding process and eight themes characterizing the nature of the partnerships emerged. The themes were: shared values, a family-like emotional connection, complementary skills and traits, professional development, synergy, conflict management strategies, shared vision, and the lack of an exit strategy. The partners' experiences and the eight emergent themes are presented using a case-study format along with related theories and concepts from the fields of business, psychology, and conflict management. Further research is needed, and questions for further study are proposed to that end. |
