Torsten Wulf

• In this paper we introduce behavioral integration, a construct established in top management team (TMT) research, into the family firm field. TMT research argues that behavioral integration has a positive performance effect as it fosters commitment to the task at hand, joint goals, and mutual trust among TMT members. Because of these specific characteristics, we argue that behavioral integration might act as a relational governance mechanism that positively influences family firm performance. Based on research on family iolvement in management, we posit that this positive performance effect of behavioral integration as a relational governance mechanism is particularly pronounced in family firms with a high degree of family iolvement in management.