Our Latest Articles

January 15, 2024 - Issue #106

When the Family Leaves the Business, Can Their Values Remain? When the Family Leaves the Business, Can Their Values Remain? Researchers explored how the Cadbury family’s Quaker values, which prioritized honesty and fairness, have endured even after the confectioner was sold to Kraft.
Succession, Money, and Relationships Were Top-10 Topics in 2023 Succession, Money, and Relationships Were Top-10 Topics in 2023 Our site visitors cared about getting the next generation ready for leadership, having a plan in place, and minimizing conflict and money woes.
Family Business Patriarchs and Matriarchs: When Is It Time to Move On? Family Business Patriarchs and Matriarchs: When Is It Time to Move On? The business may run smoothly; the heirs may be competent -- but is the older generation emotionally ready? An advisor weighs in.
Punishment, Reward, Control: How Money Shows Up in the Business Family Punishment, Reward, Control: How Money Shows Up in the Business Family Talking about money can be taboo, but deeply engrained attitudes towards it can stir complex emotions, setting the stage for conflict and dysfunction.
Mat Hughes Family Firm About to Join the Ultra-Rich Mat Hughes

Andrew Nisbet's UK-based multinational distributor to the food-service sector is talking with a potential buyer, Bunzl. The deal could bring Nisbet £450m.

Mitzi Perdue on Family Connections
How to Build a Family Business Portfolio: Your Location Matters How to Build a Family Business Portfolio: Your Location Matters While there are many routes to success, research shows that entrepreneurial business families should consider the possible impact of where they live on how they grow.
Sensemaking and Purpose Drive Innovation and Transformation Sensemaking and Purpose Drive Innovation and Transformation If you can confidently answer the questions, “Why are we doing this?” and “What are we trying to accomplish?,” it will have a powerful effect on your company.
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Preparing for the Next Generation Starts with Being Investor-Ready
by Michael Paull / Applied and Practice

The most important investor may be your own successors. Investor readiness supports smooth transitions, builds trust, enhances enterprise value, and keeps strategic options open—whether you sell, recapitalize, or stay independent. Read more...

Rom-Coms Can Complicate Your Succession Planning
by Sara E. Miller / Commentary

Unrealistic depictions of the sacrifices and tradeoffs of family business leadership -- streamed repeatedly -- can color younger people’s attitudes towards taking the helm.   Read more...

Cooperating with Competitors is Good Business in Japan
by Sigrun C. Caspary, Tom Rüsen, and Arist von Schlippe / Research Insight

In Japan, family businesses are encouraged to help one another for the benefit of their shared customers and their community. It has helped them survive setbacks and thrive. Read more...

Why Enterprising Families Need a Code of Conduct
by Maryann G. Bell / Applied and Practice

As Prince Andrew showed, one person’s behavior can become everyone’s problem. Families must set expectations, outline processes, and provide clarity before emotions take over. Read more...

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Family CEOs May Encourage More Innovation Than Non-Family Leaders
by Mario Daniele Amore, Morten Bennedsen, Bordin Bordeerath, and Nicolai Foss
Things to Consider When Transferring Family Business Ownership
by Susan Lanz, Gary Burke, Kajsa Haag, and Omid Omidvar
From 'Passing Down' to 'Building Up': Rethinking Values in Family Firms
by Viktoria Luft, Anne Katarina Heider, Heinrich Liechtenstein, and Tarek el Sehity
Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

Popular
How Family Dynamics Shape Family Businesses
by Joseph Astrachan and Claudia Binz Astrachan
Supported by the Richard M Schulze Family Foundation

Supported by the Richard M Schulze Family Foundation