I just read an article by Jeffry Klugman from the journal, Family Process from 1974. Here, he talks about the difference between the terms "fusion" and "enmeshment". Fusion refers to individual behavior that takes place in a system, and enmeshment refers to a systemic behavior containing individuals. The difference is slight - just one of perspective, functioning, and how to intervene. This is particularly useful information if one is working in enmeshed family systems within family-owned businesses. The individuals are fused, meaning there is rigidity in behavior and one cannot move without affecting the other. Also, in an extreme form, a symbiotic relationship develops whereby an individual expresses the sense of "I can't live without you; I have no independent existence." Fusion can exist simultaneously with enmeshed family systems - "it is the family as a whole that manifest the process", says Klugman.
Let's add a layer to the individual as fused and enmeshed family system: that of the sphere of family business. So, there is the individual who may be fused to another family individual and this fusion is affecting the family functioning and it becomes enmeshed. When this enmeshed family system with the fused individuals attempt to operate within another system - that of their business, the ripple effect extends into not only the family, but to other unintended participants: the employees.
I am exploring these concepts and I'm sure they will continue to engage my thinking on future blogs. In the meantime, please feel free to comment and let me know what you think about this. Consultants: How have you worked with family businesses that are enmeshed? Employees: What is your experience of working in a family business that you perceived as enmeshed? Family members: Did you realize that your family business was enmeshed? What did you do?
Let's add a layer to the individual as fused and enmeshed family system: that of the sphere of family business. So, there is the individual who may be fused to another family individual and this fusion is affecting the family functioning and it becomes enmeshed. When this enmeshed family system with the fused individuals attempt to operate within another system - that of their business, the ripple effect extends into not only the family, but to other unintended participants: the employees.
I am exploring these concepts and I'm sure they will continue to engage my thinking on future blogs. In the meantime, please feel free to comment and let me know what you think about this. Consultants: How have you worked with family businesses that are enmeshed? Employees: What is your experience of working in a family business that you perceived as enmeshed? Family members: Did you realize that your family business was enmeshed? What did you do?