Our Latest Articles

February 17, 2025 - Issue #135

Men and Women Cling to Power for Different Reasons While male leaders often view stepping down as a threat to their identity and accomplishments, female leaders appear to be motivated by other factors.

How Family Businesses Can Recruit the Best C-Suite Candidates Family-owned businesses often struggle to compete with non-family firms when it comes to recruitment, and understanding the expectations of job seekers is crucial to attract the best talent.

Announcing FamilyBusiness.org's 2023-24 Schulze Award Winners Our newest group of winners — who published articles during the academic year of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 — represent a diverse range of insights.

Craft Ventures are More Successful With a Couple at the Helm Family firms take note: A study of chocolate makers showed that shared values, commitment, and a long-term outlook are good for both relationships and business.

Justifiable Pride or Arrogance? It Matters for Family Businesses Bragging about your family connection is universally bad, but even pride in your accomplishments must be displayed carefully -- especially in eastern cultures.

The Psychology of Effective Exit Planning: A Guide for Families and Advisors Family firms can help the next generation move forward by understanding and supporting the emotional aspects of the exit for the current leader.

‘SOBs’: The Real Power in Family Businesses Saviors Of the Boss have the trust of company leaders and often serve as their gatekeepers. How to understand them and work with them.

The Perks and Pitfalls of Hiring Your Parents Allen Esrock of NxtGen Nexus weights in on how to optimize the free labor and other benefits, and how to manage conflicting goals, sibling resentment, and suspicious non-relatives who work for you.

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Why Family Business Founders Struggle to Step Back During Succession

Why Family Business Strengths Can Become Weaknesses in a Crisis

Can a Family Stay a Business Family After Selling the Business?

Helping Daughters Become Successful Family Business Leaders

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Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Ownership Decisions in Family Business

by Claudia Binz Astrachan, Lindsay Hardie, and Joseph Astrachan / Practice Insight

Families often struggle to decide whether shares should be divided equally among children or reflect leadership, sacrifice, and “sweat equity.” Read more...

Strong Family Businesses Think Short Term and Long Term at the Same Time

by Vanessa Diaz Moriana, Eric Clinton, Catherine Faherty, and Colm O'Gorman / Research Insight

In a crisis, family firms cannot afford to focus only on immediate survival or future legacy. The most resilient ones do both, drawing on past lessons, trusted relationships, and long-standing networks. Read more...

The Hidden Fault Lines That Threaten Family Enterprises

by Matthew Crudgington and Peter Vogel / Practice Insight

From death and divorce to disruption and disrepute: these 12 hidden risks can weaken family enterprises over time. Read more...

The Hidden Branding Risk for Family Businesses: The Family Becomes the Brand

by Philipp Jaufenthaler and Justin Scott / Research Insight

Research shows that when families promote their role in a business, stakeholders judge not only the company but also the family itself. Read more...

by Joseph Astrachan and Claudia Binz Astrachan

Let the Next Generation of Family Firm Leaders Chart Their Own Path

by Klaus Lüber and Nadine Kammerlander

Things to Consider When Transferring Family Business Ownership

by Susan Lanz, Gary Burke, Kajsa Haag, and Omid Omidvar

How to Run a Family Business Successfully