Grief recovery from the loss of a family business: A multi- and meso-level theory

In this article I develop a multi- and meso-level theory of grief recovery time from the loss of a family business. The multi-level aspect of the model suggests how primarily micro theories of grief and sense-making can help explain grief recovery time at the family group level. The meso-level aspect of the model provides insight into recovery from the loss of a family business by proposing how grief dynamics interact at the individual level through emotional intelligence and the family group level through emotional capability. By supplementing theories of grief with those of sense-making, the model provides a deeper understanding of the grief recovery process. This model has implications for scholars and practical implications for family business members and the family unit.