The campaigning to win American votes in Tuesday’s elections has been highly partisan. But there’s overwhelming consensus on one issue: Eighty-seven percent of voters, according to a Gallup survey last week, agree that the economy is “very” or “extremely” important in these elections. Their concerns range from inflation to anticipated job losses from the use of artificial intelligence.

Yet amid the economic turbulence, a substantial share of business is holding steady. And it is doing so by hewing to a balance of profitability, purpose, and a people-first approach.

These are the often highly successful but not very visible family-owned companies, which account for 25% of U.S. firms and employ 23% of the workforce.

They typically focus on consistent, long-term progress built on consensus and a shared respect and purpose that encompasses all levels – staff, managers, owners, and customers.…