Our Latest Articles

January 27, 2022 - Issue #52

Diversify Your Family's Risks by Returning to Its Entrepreneurial Roots Diversify Your Family's Risks by Returning to Its Entrepreneurial Roots Don't invest in the market or seek to acquire other firms. Instead, rediscover the thinking that made your business outstanding in the first place.
A Family Firm Can Be Both an Innovator and a Great Place to Work A Family Firm Can Be Both an Innovator and a Great Place to Work Both relatives and non-relatives should feel happy, secure and “part of the family” without getting so complacent that they don’t challenge the status quo.
Sinking ship? How one family firm sailed through several crises Sinking ship? How one family firm sailed through several crises A Finland-based family business that hadn't innovated in calmer times drew on its heritage and untapped strengths to get it through periods of stress.
Strategies for Keeping Your Family Connected Strategies for Keeping Your Family Connected We continue our discussion with Mitzi Perdue, widow of Frank and daughter of a Sheraton Hotels founder, who shares what she's learned about family unity.
When Adult Kids Fail to Launch When Adult Kids Fail to Launch

A business lawyer who has worked with family firms offers seven steps for families with adult kids who've been overly dependent. Parents' behavior and family culture and dynamics all play a role.

January 2022
Getting Along: Straight Talk from a Family Business Veteran Getting Along: Straight Talk from a Family Business Veteran Trust people. Walk around a lot so you meet more non-relatives. And don't show off your new car when the firm is tightening the belt.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Can Be Good for Business Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Can Be Good for Business It can bring stronger connections with customers, better problem solving and enhanced creativity. Here's how to get started.
'Succession' on Screen and For Real 'Succession' on Screen and For Real

Familybusiness.org's Kimberly Eddleston was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal for this article discussing parallels between the HBO hit series and everyday family firms.

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How Families Can Move From Conflict to Forgiveness
by Kimberly Eddleston / Interviews

Set boundaries clearly and often, understand your own hot buttons, and be genuinely curious about why the other side thinks the way they do.  Read more...

What Japan's Oldest Businesses Can Teach Us About Longevity
by Peter Vogel / Commentary

Should longevity always be the goal? And if so, what exactly should endure—the operating company, a particular business model, or the family enterprise system itself? Read more...

When Family Business Reputation Helps—and When It Hurts
by Philipp Jaufenthaler, Roland Schroll, and Franz Kellermanns / Research Insight

Family firms often enjoy strong consumer goodwill, until they engage in deliberate misconduct -- when higher expectations can produce deeper disappointment and sharper backlash. Read more...

Why People Risk Belongs on Every Family Business Board Agenda
by Claudia Binz Astrachan and Lars B. Sonderegger / Practice Insight

Boards routinely scrutinize financial and strategic risk. But talent shortages, leadership culture problems, and succession gaps can erode long-term value just as quickly. Read more...

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Announcing Our 2024-25 Schulze Awards Winners
by Kimberly Eddleston and Mat Hughes
How Families Can Re-Engage Reluctant Successors Without Pressure
by John Cater, Roland Kidwell, Megan Harper, and Marilyn Young
What Nonfamily Managers Need From Family Firm Leaders
by Mat Hughes, Alfredo De Massis, Sascha Kraus, Qilin Hu, and Yi-Ying Chang
Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

Editorial offices located at St Thomas University

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From 'Passing Down' to 'Building Up': Rethinking Values in Family Firms
by Viktoria Luft, Anne Katarina Heider, Heinrich Liechtenstein, and Tarek el Sehity
Supported by the Richard M Schulze Family Foundation

Supported by the Richard M Schulze Family Foundation