Generation to Generation: Life Cycles of the Family Business

(Hardback)

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Description

From small entrepreneurial companies to large multinational conglomerates, over 60% of European companies are still owned by families. This text offers a guide to managing any kind of family business. Drawing on the author's work in hundreds of family firms, the book should help managers understand the special dynamics and challenges that family businesses face as they move through their life cycles. It provides an understanding of of the roles of external consultants and non-family professionals in the business, and explains how issues such as succession should be handled.

Reviews

"Generation to Generation is not only a Rand McNally for family businesses, it is a Fodor's as well. Participants in family businesses, no matter what their ages, will find this book an invaluable road map and guide." -- Frank Perdue, Poultry Executive "A seminal book about a topic usually neglected if not ignored--the family owned business--which is what makes Generation to Generation so important and vital. Bringing their rich experiences to bear, along with powerful analytic heft, the authors have written what will be, in a very short time, a classic." -- Warren Bennis, University Professor and Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, University of Southern California, and author of Organizing Genius and On Becoming a Leader "A family controlled business can be a blessing or a curse. For those of us fated to cope with these issues, Generation to Generation is a long overdue 'must read.'" -- William K. Coors, Chairman of the Board & President, Adolph Coors Company "Anyone interested in the survival of the family business should read this book carefully. In a very sensible and sensitive way the authors provide a wealth of insight into the generational vicissitudes of this kind of enterprise." -- Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries, Clinical Professor of Management and Leadership, INSEAD "The authors have zeroed in on the distinctive culture, the unique strengths, and the complexities and challenges of the family controlled business. In practice, this model will help those who run, consult with, or work for family businesses." -- Ralph J. Roberts, Chairman, Comcast Corporation

Author Bio

Ivan Lansberg is an organizational psychologist who grew up in a family business.