ESCP Europe

Zellweger has written a wide-ranging, thorough and very readable examination of the family business. His discussions of governance, succession planning, financial management, and conflict resolution draw on over 40 years of research, with relevant case studies that provoke discussion and reflection. His overview of cultural differences in families and in family businesses shows his grounded perspective. This text will provide a strong educational foundation for students and proactive family business owners alike.' - John A. Davis, Harvard Business School 'One of the top international researchers in the family business field, a celebrated instructor, and a thoughtful practitioner, Thomas Zellweger succeeded in the daunting task of writing a book on family enterprises that appeals to multiple audiences. By carefully identifying the themes that are crucial to family business continuity, and by connecting them through a multidisciplinary approach that is at the same time intellectually deep, practically relevant, and crystal clear, the author does full justice to the complexity of family firms, and to their vital role in our economies and societies.' - Carlo Salvato, Bocconi University, Italy This innovative textbook covers the most important challenges facing family businesses. Practice-inspired and research-based, it emphasizes both practice and theory along with concepts, cases and reflection questions to illustrate key topics. This text discusses the relevance of family firms across the globe, their unique strengths and weaknesses, their governance, strategic management, the succession process, drivers of long-term success and interpersonal dynamics. Taking a holistic and international perspective, the book combines management concepts, research findings, practical examples and case studies to provide a unique source of insight and inspiration for students and practitioners in the most prominent type of business organization in the world. This textbook's comprehensive coverage of topics and combination of didactical formats makes it ideal for students studying family firms, and a useful reference for professors, advisors, and practitioners as well.

TABLE OF CONTENTS--1. Introduction 2. Defining the family business 3. Prevalence and economic contribution of family firms around the globe 4. Strengths and weaknesses of family firms 5. Governance in the family firm 6. Strategic management in the family firm 7. Succession in the family firm 8. Change and transgenerational value creation 9. Financial management in the family firm 10. Interpersonal relationships and conflict in the family firm Index.