This study examines how relational identification with family firm owners (FFOs) and family-oriented moral disengagement (FOMD) drive unethical pro-family behaviors (UPFBs) in family firms, exploring their dual impact on positive and negative organizational outcomes. Positive outcomes include organizational identification with the family firm and organizational citizenship behaviors directed toward the firm, while the negative outcomes encompass unethical pro-organizational behaviors and counterproductive work behaviors directed toward the family firm. By integrating psychological and moral mechanisms, the research addresses a critical gap in understanding the unique ethical and relational dynamics of family firms. It contributes to family business literature by highlighting the roles of relational identification and FOMD in shaping UPFBs, positioning them as a pivotal link between family dynamics and organizational outcomes. The study emphasizes the need for family firms to balance family loyalty with organizational identity, offering practical insights for governance. This research lays the foundation for further empirical exploration of UPFB antecedents and outcomes in family firms, proposing governance practices that help navigate the ethical challenges specific to this context.
