Family firms, characterized by the interplay of familial and professional roles, are uniquely susceptible to deviant behaviors not prevalent in non-family businesses. This study introduces the concept of Intrafamily Workplace Bullying (IWB), defined as repeated, hostile behaviors systematically directed at family members within the family business. These behaviors can include excessive monitoring, personal insults, social exclusion, and emotional manipulation, driven by the complex dynamics of familial relationships. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory (SET), we explore the dual role of bifurcation bias, favoring family employees over non-family employees, and reverse bifurcation bias, where family employees face heightened scrutiny. While bifurcation bias may reduce IWB, reverse bifurcation bias emerges as a significant driver of such toxic behaviors, that could lead to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness.
