Family Resource Management

This book addresses the purposeful management of resources from a family systems perspective while focusing on the impact decisions have on the family unit and not just on the individuals making the decision. 

Preface: Structure, Understanding, and Application
Family Resource Management Is Flexible and User-Friendly
Understanding Family Diversity
Real-World Examples
Case Application Opportunity
Acknowledgments
UNIT I. THE STUDY OF FAMILY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 1. The Complexity of Managing Family Resources
Objectives
What Is a Family?
How Do Families Use Resources?
Managing Families
The Decision-Making Process
Contextual Influences in Family Resource Management
Multidisciplinary Perspectives
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 2. Understanding Families
Objectives
History of the Family
The Family Today
Defining the Family
Changes in the Family
Family Functions
Families Within Cultural Contexts
Researching the Family
Family Research Design
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 3. The Management Process
Objectives
Management as a Field of Study
The Evolution of Home and Business Management: The 20th Century
The Interface of Business Management and Family Resource Management in the Context of the Family
The Foundation of Family Resource Management
Specific Applications of Management to the Family Unit
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
UNIT II. DISCOVERING FAMILY NEEDS
CHAPTER 4. Categorization of Needs
Objectives
Needs and Wants
Changing Perceptions of Needs
Needs Assessment
Individual Needs Versus Societal Needs
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 5. Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors: Understanding Family Choices
Objectives
Values
Attitudes
Behaviors
Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors in the Decision-Making Framework
Values and Behaviors in Family Purchasing Decisions
Impact of Culture on Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors
Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors
Consistency Over Time and Situation
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
UNIT III. UNDERSTANDING RESOURCES
CHAPTER 6. Identification of Family Resources
Objectives
Resource Availability
Resource Theory
Human Resources
Economic Resources
Environmental Resources
Social Resources
Measurement of Resources
Resource Allocation and Use
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 7. Families Within the Economic Environment
Objectives
Beginnings of Consumerism
Economic Principles
Families in the Economy
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 8. The Impact of Society on Family Decisions
Objectives
Individuals and the Tax System
Government-Supported Assistance Programs
Privately Funded Programs
Compulsory Education
Supply and Demand: An Application in Education
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
UNIT IV. MAKING CHOICES
CHAPTER 9. Managing the Future
Objectives
Goals, Objectives, and Standards
The Planning Process
Family Financial Planning
Creating the Financial Plan
Emergency Action Plans
How Plans Emerge
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 10. Communication Within the Decision-Making Process
Objectives
Communication Theory
Communication and Information Technology
Application to Family Decision Making
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 11. The Individual Within Family Decision Making
Objectives
Group Dynamics
Groupthink
Leadership
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
UNIT V. IMPLEMENTING AND EVALUATING DECISIONS
CHAPTER 12. Making It Happen
Objectives
Implementation
Estate Planning
Family Business Succession
Risk Management
Completion and Reflection
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 13. Defining Success
Objectives
Societal Responsibility
Family Responsibility
Individual Responsibility
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
CHAPTER 14. Current and Future Challenges
Objectives
Technology
Family Structure
Natural Resources
Changing Demographics
Summary
Questions for Review and Discussion
Case Family Information
Glossary
Web Resources
References
Index
About the Authors