Design Thinking Applied in a Peruvian Family Business Conflict
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26439/pjm2025.n002.7443Keywords:
design thinking, family businesses, negotiation, innovation, collaborative design, conflict resolutionAbstract
Purpose: This study explores how design thinking (DT) can serve as an effective methodology for negotiation and conflict resolution in family businesses. It applies DT to a specific case and compares the outcomes with those achieved through traditional, unstructured approaches.
Methodology: The research followed a qualitative design with two groups of graduate students at the University of Lima (Peru). In the first stage, both groups analyzed the same organizational conflict without any structured framework or analytical guide. In the second stage, the students
received training in DT, defined the goals of conflict resolution, and then revisited the case using DT to reach negotiated agreements. Findings: DT led to more structured and collaborative
negotiations that produced more effective agreements than the initial unstructured approach. In
the context of family businesses, the methodology encouraged participants to frame the conflict clearly, generate creative alternatives, and move toward consensus. Conclusion: The study
shows that DT works as a practical and reliable tool for resolving conflicts in family business settings. Participants agreed that DT helped them approach the conflict with greater clarity and achieve solutions that traditional methods rarely deliver. Originality/value: The research provides empirical evidence on the usefulness of DT in preparing negotiations within family and
business environments. It also points to a promising academic pathway for building conflictresolution skills through innovative and structured methodologies.
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