This document discusses transferring management of a family-owned business from one generation to the next. It emphasizes the importance of planning to help ensure a successful transition. There are four key plans needed: a business strategic plan, family strategic plan, succession plan, and estate plan. These plans can help balance family and business goals, choose a successor, and transfer ownership while minimizing taxes. Advance planning is crucial as many family businesses fail to survive across generations due to a lack of planning.
Activities involved in succesion process among asian and african owned businessJohn Johari
This document discusses several key issues related to family-owned businesses:
1) Family businesses face unique challenges from the overlap of family and business roles and issues. They must balance family and business goals.
2) Common issues include succession planning, hiring and retaining non-family employees, determining family members' business roles, and dividing profits.
3) Strategic planning is important, including family planning, business planning, succession planning, and estate planning. Outside advisors can help with planning.
4) Over 40% of family businesses will face leadership changes by 2002, bringing opportunities and challenges as ownership remains within families.
The document provides guidance on maintaining family harmony during the succession planning process for a family business. It emphasizes the importance of open communication between all family members, including those involved in management and those who are owners. It recommends establishing regular family meetings with set agendas to discuss both business and family matters in a transparent way. This allows different views on issues like reinvesting profits or transition plans to be heard from all sides. The examples show how both a daughter running the business and her non-involved brother feel there is a lack of discussion and transparency currently. The advisor recommends the family begin holding formal meetings to improve understanding and prevent disputes over the business.
Succession planning, regardless of the age of owners or management, is not an event, but an ongoing process that needs to begin now. Find out what are the are critical decisions that need to be addressed (but not necessarily resolved today)
A discussion of how to manage employee performance taking into account how people’s actions affect and are influenced by the behaviors of their fellow team members, work groups and organizations.
- Family-owned businesses make up a large portion of the US economy, but many struggle with succession to the next generation due to conflicts between family and business priorities.
- These conflicts arise from the differing nature of families, which are emotionally-based, and businesses which are task-based and focus on results. Successful family businesses balance both sets of needs.
- Critical issues for family businesses include succession planning, defining participation and compensation, maintaining family harmony, and ensuring proper responsibilities and management systems are in place. With the right strategies, many family businesses can thrive across generations.
This document provides an overview of managing a family business. It discusses 5 powerful ways to manage a family business, including communication, managing finances logically, valuing relationships, acknowledging efficiency, and getting free from daily operations through standard operating procedures, effective delegation, and revisiting processes. It also outlines 5 important roles of a business owner, such as designing frameworks, employee management, marketing, financial management, and strategic planning. The document contains tips and best practices for running a successful multi-generational family business.
This document summarizes the key principles of organizational structure according to Lex Sisney. It discusses 5 laws of organizational structure: 1) Change the structure when the strategy changes, 2) Don't let efficiency-focused functions control effectiveness-focused ones, 3) Don't let short-term focused functions control long-term ones, 4) Balance autonomy and control, and 5) Put the right people in the right roles. It then analyzes an example structure, finding issues like precedence over strategy, efficiency over effectiveness, and short-term over long-term control.
Here We Go Again: Leading in Tough Times (a ChangeThis Manifesto by Lee J. Co...Samuli Pahkala
Here We Go Again: Leading in Tough Times
"Have you been wishing for the good old days lately? Or at least to rewind the economic clock 12 months? Leading a company during a slowing economy has plenty of challenges: What should you change, stop or continue doing?"
Activities involved in succesion process among asian and african owned businessJohn Johari
This document discusses several key issues related to family-owned businesses:
1) Family businesses face unique challenges from the overlap of family and business roles and issues. They must balance family and business goals.
2) Common issues include succession planning, hiring and retaining non-family employees, determining family members' business roles, and dividing profits.
3) Strategic planning is important, including family planning, business planning, succession planning, and estate planning. Outside advisors can help with planning.
4) Over 40% of family businesses will face leadership changes by 2002, bringing opportunities and challenges as ownership remains within families.
The document provides guidance on maintaining family harmony during the succession planning process for a family business. It emphasizes the importance of open communication between all family members, including those involved in management and those who are owners. It recommends establishing regular family meetings with set agendas to discuss both business and family matters in a transparent way. This allows different views on issues like reinvesting profits or transition plans to be heard from all sides. The examples show how both a daughter running the business and her non-involved brother feel there is a lack of discussion and transparency currently. The advisor recommends the family begin holding formal meetings to improve understanding and prevent disputes over the business.
Succession planning, regardless of the age of owners or management, is not an event, but an ongoing process that needs to begin now. Find out what are the are critical decisions that need to be addressed (but not necessarily resolved today)
A discussion of how to manage employee performance taking into account how people’s actions affect and are influenced by the behaviors of their fellow team members, work groups and organizations.
- Family-owned businesses make up a large portion of the US economy, but many struggle with succession to the next generation due to conflicts between family and business priorities.
- These conflicts arise from the differing nature of families, which are emotionally-based, and businesses which are task-based and focus on results. Successful family businesses balance both sets of needs.
- Critical issues for family businesses include succession planning, defining participation and compensation, maintaining family harmony, and ensuring proper responsibilities and management systems are in place. With the right strategies, many family businesses can thrive across generations.
This document provides an overview of managing a family business. It discusses 5 powerful ways to manage a family business, including communication, managing finances logically, valuing relationships, acknowledging efficiency, and getting free from daily operations through standard operating procedures, effective delegation, and revisiting processes. It also outlines 5 important roles of a business owner, such as designing frameworks, employee management, marketing, financial management, and strategic planning. The document contains tips and best practices for running a successful multi-generational family business.
This document summarizes the key principles of organizational structure according to Lex Sisney. It discusses 5 laws of organizational structure: 1) Change the structure when the strategy changes, 2) Don't let efficiency-focused functions control effectiveness-focused ones, 3) Don't let short-term focused functions control long-term ones, 4) Balance autonomy and control, and 5) Put the right people in the right roles. It then analyzes an example structure, finding issues like precedence over strategy, efficiency over effectiveness, and short-term over long-term control.
Here We Go Again: Leading in Tough Times (a ChangeThis Manifesto by Lee J. Co...Samuli Pahkala
Here We Go Again: Leading in Tough Times
"Have you been wishing for the good old days lately? Or at least to rewind the economic clock 12 months? Leading a company during a slowing economy has plenty of challenges: What should you change, stop or continue doing?"
Leaders play a key role in employee engagement by connecting employees' work to the organization's values and mission. The document discusses how engaged employees are more productive, healthier, and less likely to leave their jobs. It also outlines the functional and psychological factors that influence engagement, including ensuring employees have the resources, training, and autonomy to do meaningful work. Wise leaders recognize employees' contributions, foster a sense of belonging, and help employees find purpose in order to maximize engagement.
This document discusses employee engagement and commitment. It defines engagement as employees' satisfaction with their work, pride in their employer, enjoyment of their job, and belief that their employer values their contributions. Engaged employees are more productive and less likely to leave their jobs. The document examines how employer practices like job design, recruitment, selection, training, compensation, and performance management can influence engagement and commitment levels. When companies invest in these human resource practices, it can boost employee performance and engagement, leading to beneficial business outcomes.
"I'm the boss!"
It's a common mistake to think management is defined by formal authority—the ability that comes with a title to impose your will on others. In fact, formal authority is a useful but limited tool.
People Want More Than a Formal, Authority-Based Relationship with the Boss
Many managers—especially those who were achievement-driven stars as individual performers—don't even think about relationships. They're so task oriented that they put the work to be done and their authority as boss at the heart of what they do and assume they can ignore the human aspects of working with others.
The problem is that most people don't want your authority to be the be-all and end-all of the relationship. They want a personal, human connection, an emotional link. They want you to care about them as individuals. They want you to encourage their growth and development. Research tells us this kind of human relationship with the boss is a key factor determining an employee's level of engagement with the work.
We know of a small-company owner, a warm, decent woman, so pressed for time she consciously decided to avoid small talk at the office. She never opened up to people about herself or asked about their lives and interests. She didn't, that is, until her people rose up and expressed, through an intermediary, that they hated how she treated them. They wanted a real human connection with her, even if she was "the boss."
The Retail Leadership Team is responsible for the performance of a $1B retail brand. In interviews, members identified several areas of strength, including clear goals and accountability. However, issues were also noted, such as an overfocus on operations versus strategy, siloed working styles, and lack of customer focus. Overall, while results are improving, the team is struggling to achieve goals and does not always function effectively as a unified team.
The document discusses the importance of focusing on quality of interaction, rather than just tangible changes, when formulating and executing strategy. It notes that starting with changes to structure, processes and hierarchy often backfires by causing anxiety, distrust and failure to capitalize on the transformational power of interaction. The participative approach outlined puts interaction at the heart of strategy work by building consensus through conversations focused on why change is needed, the desired changes, how to implement them, and responsibilities. This helps address emotional and psychological needs better than a top-down approach over-focused on tangible changes.
Employee engagement that bonds trust in workplaceKhrisma Khrisma
The document discusses employee engagement and how leaders can foster trust and bonds between employees and management. It outlines ten strategies ("C's") that leaders can use to engage employees: connecting with employees on a personal level; providing career growth opportunities; communicating a clear vision; conveying expectations and providing feedback; recognizing contributions; allowing employee input and control; fostering collaboration; maintaining credibility and ethics; and building confidence. Employee engagement is important for employee well-being, performance and company success. Leaders who implement these strategies can bridge gaps, motivate workers and execute company strategies effectively.
The document discusses grapevine communication within M.M Noorbhoy Construction, a Sri Lankan manufacturing company. Grapevine communication developed among employees due to feelings of anxiety during an economic recession and lack of confidence. Employees would gossip about manager attitudes, promotion rumors, and exchange opinions. This uncontrolled communication spread misinformation and negatively impacted the company. To address this issue, the company collected data on the root causes of grapevine communication and implemented new programs, hiring, and information sharing policies to manage rumors and reduce uncertainty among employees.
This document provides 12 principles for effective talent management based on research into employee behavior. The first four "core principles" called ROAD (Respect, Objectives, Awareness, Dialogue) establish the foundation for effective talent management by respecting employees, clarifying objectives, increasing awareness of performance, and creating dialogue between managers and employees. The remaining eight principles are characteristics of world-class talent management programs that maintain accountability, integrate development, provide a picture of high performance, give employees visibility, support career growth, evaluate potential and experience, help employees determine what they want, and strategically engage employee attention.
By David F. Larcker and Brian Tayan, Stanford Research Spotlight Series, September 1, 2016
This Research Spotlight provides a summary of the academic literature on the influence that CEOs have on company outcomes (performance and risk). It reviews the evidence of:
• The contribution of the CEO to overall company performance
• The relation between previous managerial experience and future performance
• The relation between personal attributes and performance
• The relation between personality and performance
• Factors that might influence risk tolerance
This Research Spotlight expands upon issues introduced in the Quick Guide “CEO Succession Planning.”
This Research Spotlight provides a summary of the academic literature on whether companies with an independent chairman of the board exhibit better governance quality than companies with a dual chairman/CEO.
It reviews the evidence of:
• The relation between independent chair and market value
• Shareholder reaction to a decision to separate chairman and CEO roles
• Separation during the succession process
• Separation to improve oversight
• The impact of separation on performance
This Research Spotlight expands upon issues introduced in the Quick Guide “Board of Directors: Structure and Consequences.”
State of the american workplace report 2013 Carles Almagro
FORBES: Gallup’s data shows 30% of employees Engaged, 52% Disengaged, 18% Actively Disengaged. “These latest findings indicate that 70% of American workers are ‘not engaged’ or ‘actively disengaged’ and are emotionally disconnected from their workplaces and less likely to be productive,” states the report. “Gallup estimates that these actively disengaged employees cost the U.S. between $450 billion to $550 billion each year in lost productivity. They are more likely to steal from their companies, negatively influence their coworkers, miss workdays, and drive customers away.”
Engaged employees provide immeasurable benefits to your organization. It begins at the organizational then managerial, finally employee levels of the organization.
Accountability - High Performance and High Fun in the WorkplaceNick Girling
- Implementing accountability in a careful way can increase both productivity and job satisfaction by opening opportunities. It is important to distinguish accountability from responsibility.
- Accountability means being answerable for results and accepting responsibility for actions and decisions. It involves setting goals, monitoring performance, and having difficult conversations when needed.
- Organizations with strong accountability cultures see better performance as people feel responsible and accountable. There is no room for excuses and blame. The tips suggest focusing on respect over friendship and avoiding complacency.
State of the American Workplace Report 2013: Employee Engagement Insights for...DAVID MALAM
State of the American Workplace:
Employee Engagement Insights for U.S. Business Leaders.
The State of the American Workplace: Employee Engagement Insights for U.S. Business Leaders report highlights findings from Gallup's ongoing study of the American workplace from 2010 through 2012.
This is a continuation of Gallup's previous report on the U.S. workplace covering 2008 through 2010. This latest report provides insights into what leaders can do to improve employee engagement and performance in their companies. It includes an overview of the trend in U.S. employee engagement, a look at the impact of engagement on organizational and individual performance, information about how companies can accelerate employee engagement, and an examination of engagement across different segments of the U.S. working population.
Recommended by Business Doctors, Graz, Austria.
www.business-doctors.at
SEE FULL SUPPORTING ARTICLE AND OTHER INSIGHTS RELATING TO ENGAGEMENT, STRESS, BURNOUT PREVENTION AS AN ECONOMIC FACTOR IN OUR BLOG .................... LINK:
http://burnout-businessdoctors.blogspot.co.at/
The top tens of employee engagement hundreds of brilliant engagement ideasLuchoAlbertito
The document provides a collection of "top ten" lists from various contributors on the topic of employee engagement. It includes lists on engaging employees, engagement strategies, engagement questions, ways to spot an engaged employee, engagement tips for managers, and more. Each list provides 3-10 concise tips or strategies related to improving employee engagement. The overall document serves as a reference guide bringing together engagement ideas and best practices from multiple experts in the field.
The document summarizes the key findings of two surveys on workplace stress and organizational environments. The first survey in 2000 found that while many women found the fast-paced tech industry exhilarating, two-thirds also experienced high stress from long hours and an inability to balance work and personal lives. A follow-up 2002 survey of both men and women found that over half felt workplace stress left them with insufficient energy for their personal lives. However, respondents who reported positive workplace characteristics like learning opportunities and collaboration were more likely to remain at their jobs. The article argues that companies should foster positive organizational environments through initiatives like collaborative work communities in order to retain top talent and gain a competitive advantage.
Employee engagement in the US workforce has remained stagnant since 2000, with only 30% of employees engaged and the majority (70%) not reaching their full potential. Gallup research shows that engagement improves key performance outcomes like productivity, profitability, customer ratings and reduces absenteeism and turnover. Companies that have higher ratios of engaged to disengaged employees experience significantly higher earnings per share compared to their competitors. The report examines trends in engagement and strategies that companies can adopt to improve engagement among their employees.
This document contains a summary of issues facing the CEO, Cheryl, at her company. It notes that while change is needed, Cheryl is moving too quickly and failing to gain support from long-time employees. Specifically, in her 6 months at the company she has tried to dictate terms without understanding the company culture. The document recommends that Cheryl improve communication, take feedback, explain her motives, trust other directors, and change to a more consultative leadership style to successfully implement changes.
Saba University: The ABC's of RDI (Rapid Data Import)Saba Software
This document provides an overview of using Rapid Data Import (RDI) in Saba to import business data as component records. It discusses downloading sample templates, creating import files, uploading files and monitoring imports through log files. The document also covers creating scheduled import jobs to regularly import data on a predefined frequency using SFTP connections and mappings. The goals are to understand the RDI process, successfully import record data files, view and download log files, and create and process import jobs.
Leaders play a key role in employee engagement by connecting employees' work to the organization's values and mission. The document discusses how engaged employees are more productive, healthier, and less likely to leave their jobs. It also outlines the functional and psychological factors that influence engagement, including ensuring employees have the resources, training, and autonomy to do meaningful work. Wise leaders recognize employees' contributions, foster a sense of belonging, and help employees find purpose in order to maximize engagement.
This document discusses employee engagement and commitment. It defines engagement as employees' satisfaction with their work, pride in their employer, enjoyment of their job, and belief that their employer values their contributions. Engaged employees are more productive and less likely to leave their jobs. The document examines how employer practices like job design, recruitment, selection, training, compensation, and performance management can influence engagement and commitment levels. When companies invest in these human resource practices, it can boost employee performance and engagement, leading to beneficial business outcomes.
"I'm the boss!"
It's a common mistake to think management is defined by formal authority—the ability that comes with a title to impose your will on others. In fact, formal authority is a useful but limited tool.
People Want More Than a Formal, Authority-Based Relationship with the Boss
Many managers—especially those who were achievement-driven stars as individual performers—don't even think about relationships. They're so task oriented that they put the work to be done and their authority as boss at the heart of what they do and assume they can ignore the human aspects of working with others.
The problem is that most people don't want your authority to be the be-all and end-all of the relationship. They want a personal, human connection, an emotional link. They want you to care about them as individuals. They want you to encourage their growth and development. Research tells us this kind of human relationship with the boss is a key factor determining an employee's level of engagement with the work.
We know of a small-company owner, a warm, decent woman, so pressed for time she consciously decided to avoid small talk at the office. She never opened up to people about herself or asked about their lives and interests. She didn't, that is, until her people rose up and expressed, through an intermediary, that they hated how she treated them. They wanted a real human connection with her, even if she was "the boss."
The Retail Leadership Team is responsible for the performance of a $1B retail brand. In interviews, members identified several areas of strength, including clear goals and accountability. However, issues were also noted, such as an overfocus on operations versus strategy, siloed working styles, and lack of customer focus. Overall, while results are improving, the team is struggling to achieve goals and does not always function effectively as a unified team.
The document discusses the importance of focusing on quality of interaction, rather than just tangible changes, when formulating and executing strategy. It notes that starting with changes to structure, processes and hierarchy often backfires by causing anxiety, distrust and failure to capitalize on the transformational power of interaction. The participative approach outlined puts interaction at the heart of strategy work by building consensus through conversations focused on why change is needed, the desired changes, how to implement them, and responsibilities. This helps address emotional and psychological needs better than a top-down approach over-focused on tangible changes.
Employee engagement that bonds trust in workplaceKhrisma Khrisma
The document discusses employee engagement and how leaders can foster trust and bonds between employees and management. It outlines ten strategies ("C's") that leaders can use to engage employees: connecting with employees on a personal level; providing career growth opportunities; communicating a clear vision; conveying expectations and providing feedback; recognizing contributions; allowing employee input and control; fostering collaboration; maintaining credibility and ethics; and building confidence. Employee engagement is important for employee well-being, performance and company success. Leaders who implement these strategies can bridge gaps, motivate workers and execute company strategies effectively.
The document discusses grapevine communication within M.M Noorbhoy Construction, a Sri Lankan manufacturing company. Grapevine communication developed among employees due to feelings of anxiety during an economic recession and lack of confidence. Employees would gossip about manager attitudes, promotion rumors, and exchange opinions. This uncontrolled communication spread misinformation and negatively impacted the company. To address this issue, the company collected data on the root causes of grapevine communication and implemented new programs, hiring, and information sharing policies to manage rumors and reduce uncertainty among employees.
This document provides 12 principles for effective talent management based on research into employee behavior. The first four "core principles" called ROAD (Respect, Objectives, Awareness, Dialogue) establish the foundation for effective talent management by respecting employees, clarifying objectives, increasing awareness of performance, and creating dialogue between managers and employees. The remaining eight principles are characteristics of world-class talent management programs that maintain accountability, integrate development, provide a picture of high performance, give employees visibility, support career growth, evaluate potential and experience, help employees determine what they want, and strategically engage employee attention.
By David F. Larcker and Brian Tayan, Stanford Research Spotlight Series, September 1, 2016
This Research Spotlight provides a summary of the academic literature on the influence that CEOs have on company outcomes (performance and risk). It reviews the evidence of:
• The contribution of the CEO to overall company performance
• The relation between previous managerial experience and future performance
• The relation between personal attributes and performance
• The relation between personality and performance
• Factors that might influence risk tolerance
This Research Spotlight expands upon issues introduced in the Quick Guide “CEO Succession Planning.”
This Research Spotlight provides a summary of the academic literature on whether companies with an independent chairman of the board exhibit better governance quality than companies with a dual chairman/CEO.
It reviews the evidence of:
• The relation between independent chair and market value
• Shareholder reaction to a decision to separate chairman and CEO roles
• Separation during the succession process
• Separation to improve oversight
• The impact of separation on performance
This Research Spotlight expands upon issues introduced in the Quick Guide “Board of Directors: Structure and Consequences.”
State of the american workplace report 2013 Carles Almagro
FORBES: Gallup’s data shows 30% of employees Engaged, 52% Disengaged, 18% Actively Disengaged. “These latest findings indicate that 70% of American workers are ‘not engaged’ or ‘actively disengaged’ and are emotionally disconnected from their workplaces and less likely to be productive,” states the report. “Gallup estimates that these actively disengaged employees cost the U.S. between $450 billion to $550 billion each year in lost productivity. They are more likely to steal from their companies, negatively influence their coworkers, miss workdays, and drive customers away.”
Engaged employees provide immeasurable benefits to your organization. It begins at the organizational then managerial, finally employee levels of the organization.
Accountability - High Performance and High Fun in the WorkplaceNick Girling
- Implementing accountability in a careful way can increase both productivity and job satisfaction by opening opportunities. It is important to distinguish accountability from responsibility.
- Accountability means being answerable for results and accepting responsibility for actions and decisions. It involves setting goals, monitoring performance, and having difficult conversations when needed.
- Organizations with strong accountability cultures see better performance as people feel responsible and accountable. There is no room for excuses and blame. The tips suggest focusing on respect over friendship and avoiding complacency.
State of the American Workplace Report 2013: Employee Engagement Insights for...DAVID MALAM
State of the American Workplace:
Employee Engagement Insights for U.S. Business Leaders.
The State of the American Workplace: Employee Engagement Insights for U.S. Business Leaders report highlights findings from Gallup's ongoing study of the American workplace from 2010 through 2012.
This is a continuation of Gallup's previous report on the U.S. workplace covering 2008 through 2010. This latest report provides insights into what leaders can do to improve employee engagement and performance in their companies. It includes an overview of the trend in U.S. employee engagement, a look at the impact of engagement on organizational and individual performance, information about how companies can accelerate employee engagement, and an examination of engagement across different segments of the U.S. working population.
Recommended by Business Doctors, Graz, Austria.
www.business-doctors.at
SEE FULL SUPPORTING ARTICLE AND OTHER INSIGHTS RELATING TO ENGAGEMENT, STRESS, BURNOUT PREVENTION AS AN ECONOMIC FACTOR IN OUR BLOG .................... LINK:
http://burnout-businessdoctors.blogspot.co.at/
The top tens of employee engagement hundreds of brilliant engagement ideasLuchoAlbertito
The document provides a collection of "top ten" lists from various contributors on the topic of employee engagement. It includes lists on engaging employees, engagement strategies, engagement questions, ways to spot an engaged employee, engagement tips for managers, and more. Each list provides 3-10 concise tips or strategies related to improving employee engagement. The overall document serves as a reference guide bringing together engagement ideas and best practices from multiple experts in the field.
The document summarizes the key findings of two surveys on workplace stress and organizational environments. The first survey in 2000 found that while many women found the fast-paced tech industry exhilarating, two-thirds also experienced high stress from long hours and an inability to balance work and personal lives. A follow-up 2002 survey of both men and women found that over half felt workplace stress left them with insufficient energy for their personal lives. However, respondents who reported positive workplace characteristics like learning opportunities and collaboration were more likely to remain at their jobs. The article argues that companies should foster positive organizational environments through initiatives like collaborative work communities in order to retain top talent and gain a competitive advantage.
Employee engagement in the US workforce has remained stagnant since 2000, with only 30% of employees engaged and the majority (70%) not reaching their full potential. Gallup research shows that engagement improves key performance outcomes like productivity, profitability, customer ratings and reduces absenteeism and turnover. Companies that have higher ratios of engaged to disengaged employees experience significantly higher earnings per share compared to their competitors. The report examines trends in engagement and strategies that companies can adopt to improve engagement among their employees.
This document contains a summary of issues facing the CEO, Cheryl, at her company. It notes that while change is needed, Cheryl is moving too quickly and failing to gain support from long-time employees. Specifically, in her 6 months at the company she has tried to dictate terms without understanding the company culture. The document recommends that Cheryl improve communication, take feedback, explain her motives, trust other directors, and change to a more consultative leadership style to successfully implement changes.
Saba University: The ABC's of RDI (Rapid Data Import)Saba Software
This document provides an overview of using Rapid Data Import (RDI) in Saba to import business data as component records. It discusses downloading sample templates, creating import files, uploading files and monitoring imports through log files. The document also covers creating scheduled import jobs to regularly import data on a predefined frequency using SFTP connections and mappings. The goals are to understand the RDI process, successfully import record data files, view and download log files, and create and process import jobs.
Samantha Scalia's 2012 Creative Arts Class Portfolio contained her work from that year. The portfolio included various art projects she had completed as part of her creative arts class curriculum. Overall, the portfolio showcased Samantha's artistic growth and accomplishments in her creative arts studies during the 2012 school year.
Dokumen tersebut membahas tentang graf dalam matematika. Secara singkat, graf adalah representasi matematis dari struktur yang terdiri dari objek-objek (titik) dan hubungan antar objek (garis). Dokumen tersebut menjelaskan pengertian graf, dasar-dasar teori graf seperti derajat titik, dan cara efektif untuk menyelesaikan graf sederhana.
This document contains survey results from different age groups on topics related to movies, music and social issues. It includes data on the gender and age of respondents and their ratings of the importance of characters, locations and pace in movies. It also includes ratings of different music genres and issues like alcohol/drugs, domestic violence and relationships.
Olivia Catherine Smith was born at Forsyth Medical Center weighing 4 lbs 3 ounces and measuring 16 inches long. She graduated high school in 2011 where she played softball and was on the homecoming court her senior year. Currently, Olivia is studying to become a dental assistant at Wilkes Community College and wants to help people have beautiful smiles through her career. She can be contacted by email at ocsmith036@gmail.com or by phone at 828-409-1823.
Samantha Scalia's 2012 Creative Arts Class Portfolio contained her work from that year. The portfolio included various art projects she had completed as part of her creative arts class curriculum. Overall, the portfolio showcased Samantha's artistic growth and accomplishments in her creative arts studies during the 2012 school year.
This document discusses organization development in family-owned businesses. It begins by defining the family business system as consisting of the business, ownership, and family systems. It then outlines some critical issues facing family firms, such as conflicts during generational transitions of leadership and ownership. The document concludes by describing some typical organization development interventions that practitioners can use when working with a family business, such as facilitating family meetings, addressing both business and family systems issues, and building trust throughout the engagement.
The document discusses family businesses, including definitions, stages of development, common issues, and characteristics of healthy vs unhealthy family businesses. A family business is defined as a business with significant ownership and commitment from family members. Family businesses typically go through entrepreneurial, specialized, process-driven, and market-driven stages. Common issues include leadership succession, liquidity, non-family executives, and compensation. Healthy family businesses manage conflicts, respect boundaries, and make decisions to benefit both family and business.
The core concept behind Dirty Little Secrets of Family Business is not a “dirty little secret” at all. In fact, it’s an obvious realization: Families and businesses are not the same. The problem (and this is where the “dirty little secret” comes in) is that most under-performing family businesses don’t realize this. Serious problems can occur when you mix family problems with the family business and vice versa. When family members don’t communicate, are under-prepared or overpaid, the family business is destroyed.
The way out of this little conundrum for family businesses is proper planning, but author Henry Hutcheson is focusing on more than a succession plan or family meeting. His goal is to tackle five “traps” that family businesses often fall into. These are problems in:
• Communication,
• Delegation,
• Financial Responsibility,
• Fair Compensation and
• Education.
By addressing these “traps” with policies and procedures, family businesses can steer clear of the majority of relationship-destroying behaviors that plague other businesses.
Happy Reading
Family Business - Entrepreneurship Developmentdamleaj
This document provides an overview of family businesses. It begins by defining a family business and explaining their importance. It then discusses the different types of family businesses and family business owners. The document outlines the responsibilities and rights of family business shareholders. It also covers succession in family businesses, including the importance of planning and some strategies to ease the transition process. The document discusses some common pitfalls of family businesses and provides strategies to improve their capabilities and performance. Finally, it lists some rules that can help family businesses succeed across generations.
Few families are able to pass along their wealth successfully to the next generation. The barriers to keeping money in the family are much more formidable than the barriers to making money in the first place. Why should this be What pitfalls are most common How can families and their advisers increase the odds of a successful intergenerational transfer of wealth How can they preserve the family’s human and intellectual capital
Judy Martel, provides insightful answers to these questions and dozens more in this richly detailed book. The Dilemmas of Family Wealth takes a fresh look at the communications barriers, misunderstandings, and generational conflicts that can pull families apart and scatter their wealth in far less time than it took to build it. Martel identifies the dilemmas that families are likely to face and offers wise counsel for overcoming the challenges they pose. Her book includes advice and perspectives from top experts in the field and frank first-person experiences related by family members with whom they have worked.
The document discusses the importance of succession planning for family businesses. It notes that few family businesses survive past the third generation due to a lack of planning. It outlines many common mistakes in family succession plans, such as not properly preparing successors, hanging on to control too long, and preferring blood relatives over more qualified managers. The document provides suggestions for doing succession planning well, such as having an open process, hiring experienced advisors, preparing the business and family, and putting the interests of the business and future generations first.
Family businesses make up the majority of businesses worldwide and have unique characteristics. They are defined as businesses with significant influence from family members through ownership, management, or board participation. There are three overlapping subsystems in family businesses - family, management, and ownership - which can each have different goals. Maintaining balanced boundaries between these subsystems is important for long term success across generations.
This document summarizes key findings from a global survey of the world's largest family businesses regarding how they undertake successful successions. The main points are:
1. These family businesses clearly define who is responsible for succession planning, most commonly the board of directors.
2. They focus on preparing the next generation for leadership roles through education about the family business, though not necessarily requiring outside work experience.
3. Having a board responsible for succession correlates with greater importance placed on next-generation preparation.
This document summarizes findings from a global survey of the world's largest family businesses regarding how they undertake successful successions. The key findings are:
1. These family businesses clearly define who is responsible for succession planning, with the board of directors most commonly holding this responsibility.
2. They place great importance on educating and preparing the next generation for leadership roles within the business, though they do not necessarily require outside work experience.
3. They nurture an entrepreneurial culture within the business to promote innovation, adaptability, and competitive advantages over publicly held companies.
4. They view their status as a family business as attractive to top talent, and aim to advertise this nature to help attract qualified
- The survey polled 791 executives from family businesses in 58 countries about balancing long-term goals with short-term demands.
- While most family businesses have a long-term orientation, many pursue short-term priorities that do not support their long-term vision and goals.
- The survey found that over half of family businesses feel prepared for the future in terms of ownership, governance, and strategy, but only 41% feel confident in their succession plans, showing a potential disconnect between long-term aspirations and short-term actions.
The document summarizes key themes and issues to be discussed at a family business workshop, including:
1. Reviewing the founder's original vision and whether it remains valid as new generations become involved in the business.
2. Motivating potential successors and examining business processes to determine the best management structure for future growth.
3. Ensuring company values and the skills/ambitions of the next generation are aligned with the business's direction.
4. Discussing the founder's plans for partial retirement or exit and succession planning both within and outside the family to ensure continuity.
The document discusses the unique strengths and challenges of family-run businesses. It outlines several advantages family-run businesses have over publicly owned companies, such as flexibility, long-term thinking, strong corporate culture and better labor relations. However, only 3% of family businesses survive into the fourth generation, as many struggle with succession planning and an inability to innovate and evolve with changing markets. The key challenge for long-term survival is preparing the business for continuous renewal and innovation beyond just running existing operations.
Family business transformation is complex and messy affair. Family businesses must not only untangle the tightly intertwined family from business, but also bring business focus into the family. Successful family business transformation requires thorough planning and diligent execution. In this paper, Browne & Mohan consultants share the steps a family business must pursue to remain competitive, sustain their relevance and grow over coming generations.
This document provides an overview of succession planning strategies for family businesses. It discusses three key levels of succession planning: management, ownership, and taxes. Several components of an effective succession plan are outlined, including identifying target roles, assessing competencies, and ongoing training programs. A five-stage succession planning model is also described in detail. The document emphasizes that succession planning is critical for family businesses given the large generational shift currently taking place, and the low survival rates of such businesses across generations without proper planning.
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This document discusses various challenges that family businesses face with employing family members. It addresses several key issues:
1) Deciding whether to have entry rules for family employees and what type of rules (e.g. no family allowed, glass ceiling, level playing field). The most successful policies encourage interested, committed family members while avoiding nepotism.
2) Developing career paths for family employees, such as having undefined paths, following the company's standard path, or having a custom family path. Common mistakes are providing too little guidance or placing family in roles beyond their competence.
3) Ensuring family employees receive honest, constructive feedback and development throughout their employment, instead of being ignored or coddled
Les MUST of Family Businesses- HOT EXECUTIVE TOPS.pdfSalim Hajje
Planning, starting, operating and retiring from a family business can be difficult. Issues such as succession and pay, corporate governance and recruiting top talent pose special problems for these kinds of organizations. Rivalry among siblings who inherit a family firm is often the kiss of death for even the strongest family business. Nonfamily members, even those who are senior executives or directors, often feel that the family treats them unfairly or fails to listen to them.
In this guide, Dr. Salim Hajje analyzes and provides excellent advice about how to solve such seemingly intractable problems. His suggestions come out of his long experience successfully advising family-run businesses in the MENA region. We recommend this sage and savvy guide to family-business founders, successors, inheritors and nonfamily executives or directors.
In this guide you will learn:
- What makes family businesses special
- What kinds of problems they face?
- Why the issue of succession is a major challenge for these businesses
- Why family businesses should bring in outside directors to supply disinterested advice
This document discusses family businesses in Latin America and outlines a three-stage model of a typical family business lifecycle. It also provides an overview of governance institutions that family businesses establish like family assemblies, councils, and offices. The document then discusses a case study of a Mexican pharmaceutical company called Quimica Farmaceutica Esteroidal that sought business consulting services to develop a family succession protocol. The consultant conducted a business diagnosis and provided insights that helped the company establish foundations for succession planning and formalizing processes.
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Activities involved in succession process 3
1. U.S. Small Business Administration EB-1
TRANSFERRING MANAGEMENT IN THE
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
Professor Nancy Bowman-Upton
Director, Institute for Family Business
Hankamer School of Business
The John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Emerging Business Series
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright 1991, Nancy Bowman-Upton. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced,
transmitted or transcribed without the permission of the author. SBA retains an irrevocable,
worldwide, nonexclusive, royalty-free, unlimited license to use this copyrighted material.
While we consider the contents of this publication to be of general merit, its sponsorship by the
U.S. Small Business Administration does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the views
and opinions of the authors or the products and services of the companies with which they are
affiliated.
All of SBA's programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
______________________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
UNDERSTANDING THE FAMILY BUSINESS
What is a Family Business?
Issues in the Family Business
Who Are the Actors?
BALANCING FAMILY AND BUSINESS GOALS
Business Strategic Planning
2. Family Strategic Planning
The Family Retreat
CHOOSING A SUCCESSOR
Initiation
Selection
Education
Transition
Letting Go
Board of Directors
Making Succession Work
Summary
ESTATE PLANNING
Transfer Tax Deferral Techniques
Transfer Tax Exclusion Techniques
SUMMARY
REFERENCES
APPENDIXES
A. Family Business Assessment Inventory
B. Strategic Plan Checklist
C. Pre-Retreat Planning
D. Assessment of Candidates
E. Information Resources
INTRODUCTION
The family business is a vital force in the American economy. About 90 percent of all U.S.
businesses are family owned or controlled. They range in size from the traditional small business to
a third of the Fortune 500 firms. It is estimated that family businesses generate about half of the
country's Gross National Product and half of the total wages paid.
The American economy depends heavily on the continuity and success of the family business. It is
unfortunate, even alarming, that such a vital force has such a poor survival rate. Less than one third
of family businesses survive the transition from first to second generation ownership. Of those that
do, about half do not survive the transition from second to third generation
ownership.
At any given time, 40 percent of U.S. businesses are facing the transfer of ownership issue.
Founders are trying to decide what to do with their businesses; however, the options are few. The
following is a list of options to consider:
3. − Close the doors.
− Sell to an outsider or employee.
− Retain ownership but hire outside management.
− Retain family ownership and management control.
To be one of the few family businesses that survive transfer of ownership requires a good
understanding of your business and your family. There are four basic reasons why family firms fail
to transfer the business from generation to generation successfully:
− Lack of viability of the business.
− Lack of planning.
− Little desire on the owner's part to transfer the firm.
− Reluctance of offspring to join the firm.
These factors, alone or in combination, make transferring a family business difficult, if not
impossible. The primary cause for failure, however, is the lack of planning. With the right plans in
place, the business, in most cases, will remain healthy. There are four plans that make up the
transition process. By implementing these plans, you will virtually ensure the successful transfer of
your business within the family hierarchy.
A brief explanation of each plan follows.
− A strategic plan for the business will allow each generation an opportunity to chart a
course for the firm. Setting business goals as a family will ensure that everyone has
a clear picture of the company's future.
− The family strategic plan is needed to maintain a healthy, viable business. This plan
establishes policies for the family's role in the business. For example, it may include
an entry and exit policy that outlines the criteria for working in the business. It
should include the creed or mission statement that spells out your family's values
and basic policies for the business. The family strategic plan will address other
issues that are important to your family. By implementing this plan, you may avoid
later conflicts about compensation, sibling rivalry, ownership and management
control.
− A succession plan will ease the founding or current generation's concerns about
transferring the firm. It outlines how succession will occur and how to know when
the successor is ready. Many founders do not want to let go of the company because
they are afraid the successors are not prepared, or they are afraid to be without a job.
Often, heirs sense this reluctance and plan an alternative career. If, however, the
4. heirs see a plan in place that outlines the succession process, they may be more apt
to continue in the family business.
− An estate plan is critical for the family and the business. Without it, you will pay
higher estate taxes than necessary. Taking the time to develop an estate plan ensures
that your estate goes primarily to your heirs rather than to taxes.
For business owners who do little planning, the idea of preparing four plans may seem
overwhelming. Although it is not easy, the commitment made by all family members during the
planning process is the key ingredient for business continuity and success. The first rule for
successfully operating and transferring the family firm is: Share information with all family
members, active and nonactive. By doing this, you will eliminate problems that arise when
decisions are made and implemented without the knowledge and counsel of all family members.
This publication will help you plan for a successful transfer of ownership and avoid many of the
problems family businesses face when transfer of ownership occurs. The appendixes include aids to
help you implement the process.
______________________________________________________________________________
UNDERSTANDING THE FAMILY BUSINESS
This section will explore the nature of the family business as a dual operating system, and will
identify issues of greatest concern to family business owners, as identified by family business
owners across the United States. As you review these issues, you will see that, although you and
your family are unique, the challenges you face are not, because almost every family business
shares the same problems.
Also, perspectives of the individuals involved in a family business will be presented. We tend to
confuse personality with perspective -- understanding the viewpoints of the different actors
involved in the family business (active and nonactive) can help alleviate conflicts that may arise.
After reading this section, you and your family should complete the Family Business Assessment
Inventory in Appendix A.
What Is a Family Business?
Defined simply, a family business is any business in which a majority of the ownership or control
lies within a family, and in which two or more family members are directly involved. It is also a
complex, dual system consisting of the family and the business; family members involved in the
business are part of a task system (the business) and part of a family system. As you can see in
Figure 1, these two systems overlap. This is where conflict may occur because each system has its
own rules, roles and requirements. For example, the family system is an emotional one, stressing
relationships and rewarding loyalty with love and with care. Entry into this system is by birth, and
membership is permanent. The role you have in the family -- husband/father, wife/mother,
child/brother/sister -- carries with it certain responsibilities and expectations. In addition, families
have their own style of communicating and resolving conflicts, which they have spent years
5. perfecting. These styles may be good for family situations but may not be the best ways to resolve
business conflicts.
Figure 1 is a graphic not available in this format
Conversely, the business system is unemotional and contractually based. Entry is based on
experience, expertise and potential. Membership is contingent upon performance, and performance
is rewarded materially. Like the family system, roles in the business, such as president, manager,
employee and stockholder/owner, carry specific responsibilities and expectations. And like the
home environment, businesses have their own communication, conflict resolution and decision-
making styles.
Conflicts arise when roles assumed in one system intrude on roles in the other, when
communication patterns used in one system are used in the other or when there are conflicts of
interest between the two systems. For example, a conflict may arise between parent and child,
between siblings or between a husband and wife when roles assumed in the business system carry
over to the family system. The boss and employee roles a husband and wife might assume at work
most likely will not be appropriate as at-home roles. Alternatively, a role assumed in the family may
not work well in the business. For instance, offspring who are the peace makers at home may find
themselves mediating management conflicts between family members whether or not they have the
desire or qualifications to do so.
A special case of role carryover may occur when an individual is continually cast in a particular
role. This happens primarily to children. Everyone grows up with a label: the good one, the black
sheep, the smart one. While a person may outgrow a label, the family often perceives that person as
still carrying the attribute. This perception may affect the way that person operates in the business.
Family communication patterns don't always affect the business, but when they do it can be very
embarrassing. Often you say things to family members in a way you would never speak to other
employees or managers. This problem is compounded when your communication is misread by the
family member. Often parents are surprised by a son's or daughter's negative reaction to a business
directive or performance evaluation. This reaction is probably because the individual perceived the
instructions or evaluation as orders or criticism from Dad or Mom, not from the boss.
System overlap is apparent when conflicts of interest arise between the family and the business.
Some families put personal concerns before business concerns instead of trying to achieve a balance
between the two. It is important to understand that the family's strong emotional attachments and
overriding sense of loyalty to each other create unique management situations. For example, solving
a family problem, such as giving an unemployable or incompetent relative a position in the firm,
ignores the company's personnel needs but meets the needs of family loyalty.
Another example of conflict of interest occurs when business owners feel that giving children equal
salaries is fair. Siblings who have more responsibility but receive the same pay as those with less
responsibility usually resent it. In cases of sibling rivalry, it isn't unusual for one sibling to withhold
information from another or try to engage in power plays, i.e., behaviors that can be detrimental to
the firm.
6. Much of this behavior can be eliminated or managed by devising policies that meet the needs of
both the family and the business. Developing these policies is part of the family strategic planning
process. Before discussing them, you should make sure you have identified all the issues that need
to be addressed.
Issues in the Family Business
The list below contains the issues that most family businesses face:
− Participation -- who can participate in the family business and under what
circumstances.
− Leadership and ownership -- how to prepare the next generation to assume
responsibility for the business.
− Letting go -- how to help the entrepreneur let go of the family business.
− Liquidity and estate taxes.
− Attracting and retaining nonfamily executives.
− Compensation of family members -- equality versus merit.
− Successors -- who chooses and how to choose among multiple successors.
− Strengthening family harmony.
All of these issues and the others you include in the Family Business Assessment Inventory can
potentially cause business conflict and family stress. But there are three steps you can take to
manage conflict and stress in a family business:
− Identify issues that may cause conflict and stress.
− Discuss these issues with the family.
− Devise a policy to address them.
A discussion of policy making, as well as establishing a forum conducive to it, will be addressed
later, in the section Family Retreat.
Who Are the Actors?
The next consideration in understanding the family business is to understand the perspectives of
those involved. Without this understanding, managing a family business will be difficult.
7. The actors in the family business can be divided into two groups: (1) family members and (2)
nonfamily members. Each group has its own perspective and set of concerns and is capable of
exerting pressures within the family and the firm.
Family Members
Neither an Employee nor an Owner
Children and in-laws are usually in this group. Although they may not be part of the business
operations, they can exert pressure within the family that affects the business. For example, children
may resent the time a parent spends in the business. This creates a problem because parents usually
develop guilt feelings as a result of their neglect and the resentment expressed by the children. In-
laws, on the other hand, are viewed either as outsiders and intruders or as allies and therefore are
usually ignored or misunderstood. For example, a daughter-in-law is usually expected to support
her husband's efforts in the business without a clear understanding of family or business dynamics.
She may contribute to family problems or find herself in the middle of a family struggle. The son-
in-law faces similar, if not worse, problems. He may be placed in a competitive situation with his
wife's brothers. If he isn't involved in the family business, he can still exert pressure on the business
in his role as his wife's confidant.
An Employee but not an Owner
This family member works in the business but does not have an ownership position. For this
individual, conflict may arise for a number of reasons. For example, if he or she compares himself
or herself to the family member who has an ownership position but is not an employee, a sense of
inequity may result. The member may voice his or her resentment: I'm doing all the work, and they
just sit back and get all the profits. Or resentment may occur when decisions are made by owners
alone. Here, he or she may feel: I'm working here every day. I know how decisions are going to
affect the company. Why didn't they ask me? Family members employed in or associated with a
family business generally expect to be treated differently from nonfamily employees.
An Employee and an Owner
This individual may have the most difficult position. He or she must effectively handle all the
actors in both systems. As an owner, he or she is responsible for the well-being and continuance of
the business, as well as the daily business operations. He or she must deal with the concerns of both
family and nonfamily employees. Often, the founder, as the sole owner and chief executive, falls in
this category.
Not an Employee but an Owner
This group usually consists of siblings and retired relatives. Their major concern usually is the
income provided by the business; thus, anything that threatens their security may cause conflict. For
example, if the managing owners want to pursue a growth strategy that will consume cash and has
an element of risk, they may face resistance from retired relatives who are concerned primarily
about dividend payments.
8. Nonfamily Members
An Employee but not an Owner
This group deals with the issues of nepotism and coalition building and the effects of family
conflicts on daily operations. Owners' concerns for nonowner employees usually involve recruiting
and motivating nonfamily employees and nonfamily owner-managers who will have little or no
opportunity for advancement, accepting children of nonfamily managers into the business and
minimizing political moves that support family members over nonowner employees.
An Employee and an Owner
With the emergence of stock-option plans, this group has become more important. Employees may
become owners during a succession. In companies where a successor has been chosen, partial
ownership of the company by its employees can foster cooperation with the new management
because the employees will personally share the benefits and responsibilities of the company. In
cases where there is no successor, selling the company to the employees who have helped build it
makes good business sense. Employees who own the company will want to be treated like owners,
which may be difficult for family members to understand and accept. A thorough understanding of
the behavioral consequences of an employee stockownership program (ESOP) should be grasped
before a family implements such a program. Understanding the perspective of the individuals
around you, both family and nonfamily, will make communicating and decision making easier.
______________________________________________________________________________
BALANCING FAMILY AND BUSINESS GOALS
When conflict occurs in the family business, it can be traced to a disparity in the goals of the
individuals, the family or the business. Perhaps a family member works in the business out of
economic necessity, not because he or she wants to. Or perhaps the potential successor has plans for
the business that differ from current management plans -- different generations usually have
different goals. Whatever the cause, the conflict must be addressed and resolved to avoid and
prevent more serious problems later.
One way to define and align family and business goals is through business and family strategic
planning. In these plans, you will create a mission statement for the business and for the family that
allows each element to complement the other. Once you have completed this task, set goals for the
family business that will allow the family and business to prosper. Next, develop a strategy to
accomplish these goals and, finally, formulate policies and procedures that control the family's
involvement in the business. Appendix B, the Strategic Plan Checklist, can help you review the
steps in strategic planning.
Business Strategic Planning
Strategic planning for family-owned businesses requires that you integrate family issues, such as:
9. 1. What are the long-term personal and professional goals of family members?
2. What is the family mission? Why are you committed to establishing and operating
the business?
3. How do you envision the firm in the future?
4. Will family members be active in management or will they be passive members?
5. How will issues such as compensation, benefits and performance evaluation be
handled?
The answers to these questions will affect the business strategy and should be resolved before
strategic planning begins.
Strategic planning involves analyzing the business in its environment and devising a process for
guiding its development and success in the future. This process involves assessing the internal
operations and the current external environment (i.e., economic, technological, social and political
forces) that affect the business. To begin this process, identify internal strengths and weaknesses
that may constrain or support a strategy. Components of this assessment include (1) the
organizational structure, (2) the culture and (3) the resource. Make a list of the opportunities
available (growth, new markets, a change in regulations) and the threats (increased competition,
shortage of raw materials, price cutting) to your business. This should give you some insight into
the current situation and provide a strategic direction.
Next, list the objectives of you and your family, identifying personal needs and risk orientation.
Many of these objectives and goals will be addressed in your family strategic plan. Also, you will
find that your personal objectives will affect the strategy you choose. For example, if there is a great
opportunity for growth in your market but you have a low risk orientation and a high personal need
for security, you probably should not pursue high growth. It would be not only risky but also
expensive. Growth consumes cash, and cash must be generated internally or financed externally.
Your personal objectives should mesh with your strategy.
Once you have identified opportunities in the industry, assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the
firm and listed your personal objectives, you can proceed with the strategic plan. This will
involve
− developing a mission statement,
− setting objectives,
− developing strategies to meet objectives, and
− developing action steps to implement the strategy.
10. Mission Statement
The mission statement answers the question What business are you in? It defines your customers
and explains why you are in business. The mission statement embodies the heart of the business
and gives direction to every facet of the business. Effective mission statements
− include specifications that allow measurement,
− establish the individuality of the firm,
− define the business in which the firm wants to be involved,
− are relevant to all with a stake in the firm, and
− are exciting and inspiring.
Objectives
You should set reasonable objectives for the firm, based on the mission statement, to ensure
accomplishment of the firm's mission. Objectives should be clearly stated, realistic, measurable,
time specific and challenging. Objectives can be created for
− revenue growth,
− earnings growth,
− sales and market share growth,
− new plants or stores, and
− product/service quality or corporate image.
Strategies
Strategies are determined by your answer to the earlier question: What will the firm be like in the
future? Your strategic options include the following:
− Stability -- success is derived from little change (rare).
− Profit strategy -- sacrifice future growth for profits today.
− Growth strategy -- growth may be achieved through vertical integration (expansion
from within), horizontal integration (buy a competitor), diversification, merger or
retrenchment (turnaround or divestment).
11. Action Steps
Once the strategy is selected, action steps should be specified that will guide the firm's daily
activities. An example of an action step is creating a budget to project the costs of a strategy. This
process also is known as tactical planning. The steps in tactical planning should be practical and
easy to implement and account for; their purpose is to convert goals into manageable, realistic steps
that can be individually implemented.
Family Strategic Planning
The entire family should develop a mission statement or creed that defines why it is committed to
the business. By sharing priorities, strengths and weaknesses, and the contribution each member can
make to the business, the family will begin to create a unified vision of the firm. This vision will
include personal goals and career objectives.
An important issue to consider is how to set priorities for the family and the business, i.e., decide
which will come first, the family or the business. How you answer this question will influence your
planning. Some family members will opt for the business first, reasoning that, without a business,
there will be no financial security for the family. Others will opt for the family first, reasoning that
no business is worth the loss of family harmony. A third alternative is to serve both family and
business perhaps not equally, but as fairly as possible. Under this alternative, all decisions are made
to satisfy both family and business objectives. For example, a family may have a policy that any
family member may join the business, but he or she must meet the requirements of the job. You
may find this is the best alternative because it forces a commitment to both the family and the
business.
The Family Retreat
Trying to plan a business strategy during normal office hours is almost impossible. Plan a family
business retreat to discuss the goals of the individual family members and the goals of the business.
The first retreat should focus on reviewing the firm's history, defining family and business values
and missions, creating a statement about the future of the business and reviewing areas that need
more attention.
The purpose of the retreat is to provide a forum for introspection, problem solving and policy
making. For some participants this will be their first opportunity to talk about their concerns in a
nonconfrontational atmosphere. It is also a time to celebrate the family and enhance its inner
strength.
A retreat usually lasts two days and is held far enough away so you won't be disturbed or tempted to
go to the office. Every member of the family, including in-laws, should be invited. Begin planning
your retreat about six weeks in advance.
Once you have picked a time and place, establish a tentative agenda. The agenda in Table 1 is
typical.
12. _________________________________________________________________
Table 1 Agenda for Family Retreat
Day 1
8:00-10:00 Review family business history and current operations.
10:00-12:00 Discuss individual career goals and assess individual roles in the business.
1:00- 3:00 Discuss future plans of the company and how family members fit in.
3:30- 5:00 Prepare written statements of the family and business mission statements
and goals.
Day 2
8:00-10:00 Discuss areas in which policies need to be drafted (e.g. entry exit
compensation).
10:00-11:30 Prepare a preliminary draft of policies.
1:00- 3:00 Discuss areas in which better communications are needed. What methods
are needed to keep everyone (including nonoperating family members)
informed?
3:30- 5:00 Review retreat and plan for next meeting.
_________________________________________________________________
Your actual agenda will be tailored to meet the unique needs of your family and business. Usually
families will identify some of the following issues for discussion at their first retreat:
− A family creed or mission statement.
− Management succession.
− Estate planning.
− Strategic business planning.
− The reward system.
− Performance evaluation.
− Communication within the family.
13. − Preparing adult children to enter the business.
− Transition timing.
− Exit and entry policies.
A series of questions that can be used to identify topics for discussion is included in Appendix C.
You may consider using a retreat facilitator, a professional experienced in helping family-owned
businesses. The facilitator helps identify issues for discussion before the retreat and keeps the
atmosphere nonconfrontational during the retreat. The facilitator does not solve the family's
problems but guides the family in doing so.
The retreat is the beginning of a process. When a consensus is reached by the participants, policies
should be set, courses of action planned and responsibility for implementation assigned. When
agreement cannot be reached, further discussions should be planned, possibly with the continued
assistance of the facilitator.
One important outcome of the retreat should be plans for periodic family meetings and retreats in
the future, so the dialogue will continue. Open communications will enable the family to come to
grips with problems and issues while they are fairly easy to solve. Once family members have
reached a consensus on the continuity of the firm and their roles in it, you can begin planning for
succession.
______________________________________________________________________________
CHOOSING A SUCCESSOR
Succession is the transferring of leadership to the next generation. It is a process rather than an
event. While there is a time frame within which the transition will occur, the actual amount of time
taken for the process is arbitrary. It will depend on you, your family and the type of business you are
in. This is a difficult process for most family businesses. The failure to face and plan for succession
has been termed the succession conspiracy by Ivan Landsberg (1988). He cites a number of forces
that act against succession planning:
− Founder
-- Fear of death.
-- Reluctance to let go of power and control.
-- Personal loss of identity.
-- Fear of losing work activity.
-- Feelings of jealousy and rivalry toward successor.
14. − Family
-- Founder's spouse's reluctance to let go of role in firm.
-- Norms against discussing family's future beyond lifetime of parents.
-- Norms against favoring siblings.
-- Fear of parental death.
− Employees
-- Reluctance to let go of personal relationship with founder.
-- Fears of differentiating among key managers.
-- Reluctance to establish formal controls.
-- Fear of change
− Environmental
-- Founder's colleagues and friends continue to work.
-- Dependence of clients on founder.
-- Cultural values that discourage succession planning.
Overcoming the forces against succession planning requires the commitment of the family and
employees of the business.
Succession occurs in four phases: initiation, selection, education and transition. A discussion of
each phase follows.
Initiation
The initiation phase is that period of time when the children learn about the family business. It
occurs from the time the children are born. A child can receive either a positive or a negative
impression of the family business. If parents bring home the negative aspects of the business,
complaining about it and about employees and relatives, the children will view the business in a
very poor light. Other ways to destroy children's interest in the business is to be secretive about it or
to convey an unwelcome or a hands-off attitude. There are families in which children are welcome
to join the family business, but no one has told them so.
Owners are often cautious about systematically conditioning their children to enter the family
business, an attitude that stems primarily from their awareness of individual differences and their
15. belief that their children should be free to select a career path. If you do want your children to enter
the business, or at least have that as a career alternative, there are some steps you can take to initiate
them into the firm. The first step in motivating your children is to be certain that is what you want.
Your lack of conviction about their involvement will be communicated to them. This may be
interpreted as doubt about their ability, about the viability of the business or about the potential of
the parent-child relationship to survive the strain of succession. Any of these situations can cause
your child to lose interest in the business.
Assuming your children know that you want them to enter the business, you should talk with them
often and openly about it. Be realistic, but stress the positive aspects. Your business provides you
with many positive experiences to share with your children. Your children should learn what values
the business represents, what the business culture represents and where the business is headed.
Selection
Selection is the process of choosing who will be the firm's leader in the next generation. Of the
entire transition process, this can be the most difficult step, especially if you must choose among a
number of children. Selecting a successor may be viewed by siblings as favoring one child over the
others, a perception that can be disastrous to family well-being and sibling harmony. Owners select
successors on the basis of age, sex, qualifications or performance. Because of the potential for
emotional upheaval, some owners avoid the issue entirely, adopting an attitude of Let them figure it
out when I'm gone.
Nevertheless, there are several solutions to this dilemma. Assuming you have more than one child
who is or can become qualified for the position of president, you can select your successor based on
age. For example, the oldest child becomes the successor. Unfortunately, the oldest may not be the
best qualified. Placing age or sex restrictions on succession is not a good idea.
Alternatively, you could have a horse race. Let the candidates fight it out, and the best person wins.
While this is the style in some major corporations, it is not the best option for all family businesses.
Family business owners may want to take advantage of a successor selection model developed for
corporate executive succession. In this model, family members, using the strategic business plan,
develop specific company objectives and goals for the future president or chief executive officer.
The job description includes the requirements for the position -- such as skills, experience and
possibly personality attributes. For example, if a firm plans to pursue growth in the next five years,
the potential successor would be required to have a thorough understanding of business valuations
and financial statements, the ability to negotiate and a good relationship with local financial
institutions.
Designing such job descriptions provides a number of benefits. First, it removes the emotional
aspect from successor selection. If necessary, the successor can acquire any special training the job
description outlines. Second, it provides the business with a set of future goals and objectives that
have been developed by the whole family. Finally, the founder may feel more comfortable knowing
objectives are in place that will ensure a growing, healthy business.
16. If you have an outside board of directors, you may want to solicit their input regarding successor
selection. The form in Appendix D will help assess the potential successors in your company.
Education
Training or educating the successor in the firm is a delicate process. Many times a parent finds it
difficult to train a child to be successor. If so, an alternative trainer may be found within the firm. A
successful trainer will be logical, committed to the task, credible and action oriented. These
attributes, when tied into a program that is mission aligned, results oriented, reality-driven, learner
centered and risk sensitive, will produce a well-trained beneficiary. All of this, of course, is easier
stated than accomplished.
A training variant of the management by objectives (MBO) concept is the training by objectives
(TBO) concept. This concept can be an effective method for providing both the training for and the
evaluation of successors. In the TBO process, both the trainer (you or a nonfamily manager) and the
trainee (potential successor) work together to define what the trainee will do, the time period for
action and the evaluation process to be used. This system allows the successor to be placed in a
useful, responsible position with well-delineated objectives. It also provides for steps of increased
responsibility as goals are met and new, more rigorous goals are established. It is important that the
successor enter the firm in a well-defined position. Instead of entering the company as assistant to
the president, which requires that he or she follow the president around all day, the successor (or
any other child) should enter with a specific job description. In a small business this is very difficult
because everyone is usually responsible for all tasks. Nevertheless, the successor cannot be
evaluated effectively if he or she is not given responsibility and authority for certain tasks.
Your business will enable you to determine which criteria are necessary for good training. Usually,
an owner wants to assess a successor in the following areas:
− Decision-making process.
− Leadership abilities.
− Risk orientation.
− Interpersonal skills.
− Temperament under stress.
An excellent way to assess these skills is to let the successor give his or her insight on a current
problem or situation. This is not a test and should not be confrontational. Instead, solicit advice and
try to determine the thinking process that is generating your successor's suggestions. For example,
you may be faced with a pricing decision. Give the successor all the information needed to
determine whether or not to raise prices, then sit back and listen. Ask questions when appropriate --
these should be Why? and What if? After the successor is finished, say I was considering. . . . This
way each of you can learn how the other thinks and makes decisions.
17. It is possible that your leadership style differs from that of your successor. Your employees are used
to your style. If your successor's style is very autocratic and uncaring, your company is going to
experience problems. Potential successors should be introduced into your outside network (e.g.,
customers, bankers and business associates), something many managers neglect. This will give
everyone time to get to know your successor and allow the successor to work with business
associates and bankers, and to get acquainted with customers.
Transition
The actual transfer of control to the successor occurs when you retire. Research indicates that
transitions are smoothest when
− They are timely.
− They are final and do not include the entrepreneur's participation in daily activities.
− The entrepreneur is publicly committed to an orderly succession plan.
− The entrepreneur has articulated and supervised the formulation of company
principles regarding management accountability, policies, objectives and strategies.
The transition can be effected gradually by relinquishing more and more responsibility to the
successor. One expert advises the entrepreneur to take a number of planned absences before
actually relinquishing control. Let the successor see what it is like to manage the business alone.
Also, this allows you to see that the business is not going to fall apart without you.
Once you announce your retirement date, do not rescind it. There is no such thing as
semiretirement. By the time your children are in their 40s, they expect leadership roles in the firm.
If you refuse to let go, they may leave.
Letting Go
There are many reasons why entrepreneurs cannot let go of the family business. Primary among
these are financial ones. As a business owner, you may be used to a large salary and benefits, such
as a car or insurance. After working hard in the business most of your life, you want your retirement
years to be comfortable, not filled with financial anxieties. There are several ways to ensure your
financial security after retirement. Business owners usually consider either taking what they need
from the company after they retire or arranging a buy-out that will give them the needed liquidity
without placing an undue financial burden on the company. If you don't sell the company and your
financial security is contingent on its daily operations, you will be less likely to retire completely.
Your successor needs full control, and you probably won't let that happen. Also, the company may
not be able to support you and the successor and still pursue the strategy you have set for it. Finally,
you may not be able to meet your financial goals from income generated by the company.
To avoid these problems, consult with a financial planner or an attorney to determine the method of
transfer that is best for you. There are tax consequences to the outright sale of the business to your
18. children. Also, an outright sale may burden the company with too much debt. Other alternatives
include an installment sale or private annuity, or funding a buy-sell with insurance proceeds. To
provide effectively for your retirement, seek professional assistance in this area.
There are other reasons why the entrepreneur doesn't want to let go. One of the primary reasons is
the fear of retirement. To understand this fear, it is necessary to appreciate the relationship between
work, the meaning of life and social evaluation. For many founders, work and the business are
synonymous with a meaningful life. The intense involvement the entrepreneur has with the business
increases the importance of the job and his or her identity. Removal from work is like losing a part
of oneself. Work is important to the entrepreneur because it provides
− Economic returns.
− Opportunities to contribute to society.
− Status and self-respect.
− Social interaction.
− Personal identity.
− Structured time.
− Escape from loneliness and isolation.
− Personal achievement.
That's a lot to ask someone to give up. Especially important is the loss of status and social power.
The leader of a firm wields a great deal of influence and enjoys public impact and public exposure.
Retirement means giving up this power. Because this loss is unpleasant, it is not uncommon for a
founder to give a successor the responsibility for running a firm and still try to retain power and
privileges from a position on the board of directors.
The entrepreneur who successfully lets go has (1) a sound financial plan for retirement, (2)
activities outside the business that can provide social contact and power, (3) confidence in the
successor and (4) a willingness to listen to outside advisors.
Board of Directors
Most small businesses do not have a board of directors, but a board can be invaluable during the
succession process. A board can help management determine objectives and strategies, provide
specialized expertise and even arbitrate feuds among family members.
The board is usually composed of both insiders and outsiders. Although family businesses usually
are operated in a very private manner, there are benefits to making outsiders board members. They
come with different backgrounds and perspectives, and provide checks and balances. Outside
19. directors don't work out well if they lack knowledge about the firm and its environment, or if they
are uncommitted to board responsibilities.
If you decide to develop a board, you should be totally committed to the process. There are
difficulties associated with boards (time and money) and the entrepreneur must be willing to make
the board a viable entity.
The first step would be to establish goals and objectives for the board. You should set these
objectives before you recruit or make a commitment to any members. Boards can expand your
network, provide input into the succession process, judge the successor's progress or help determine
a transition date. But boards should not get overly involved in operational or day-to-day issues.
The second step is recruiting. A board should have five to seven members, including three or four
outsiders. Select them carefully. You can find them in civic and charitable organizations, among
acquaintances and at local universities. You should know and have a good rapport with prospective
members, and you should determine their ability to provide concrete advice and direction for the
business. The following are a few good questions to ask:
− What is their background?
− How are they thought of in the community?
− What do your present directors think of them?
Make sure they have the qualifications to help realize the goals and objectives you have set. The
remainder of the board is composed of top insiders. Your potential successor may be invited to
attend the meetings, or you may choose to make him or her a member of the board.
If you decide to develop a board, or if you feel you need to know more, you will find Outside
Directors in the Family Owned Business to be an excellent reference on the topic. It is listed in the
reference section.
Making Succession Work
To make succession work, you must communicate. This is the key ingredient. Use the family retreat
as well as family meetings. Family meetings can educate the family in discussions about the nature
of the firm, the kinds of leadership skills needed, entry and exit conditions, decision-making
policies and conflict resolution procedures. Casual conversations about these issues can contribute
to your formal planning later on.
Family meetings do not have to be formal affairs, but they should occur regularly and have an
agenda. Parents don't have to lead the meeting; have the offspring organize and conduct a portion of
the meeting. Use the meetings to defuse any potential time bombs.
Anticipate problems. Will there be any problems with nonfamily members? If so, which ones? How
will they be a problem, and what can you do (short of firing them) to handle it?
20. Sibling rivalry is another problem to consider. Does it exist? If so, how will you resolve it? It may
not be a problem until the successor is named. Develop a code of conduct for sibling relations. This
code will outline how siblings must act toward each other (i.e., in a way conducive to a healthy
business), including how to work together, how to play together and how to keep spouses informed
about what's going on. Anticipate problems that may arise and meet them head on.
Summary
Succession is a process that may extend from three to six years or longer depending on your age and
on your successor's age. It occurs in phases. Over a period of time, you initiate or educate your
children to the family business. After determining a successor, you develop a plan to transfer
leadership in the family business. The decision to announce who the successor is and when the
transition will occur depends on the family.
There are benefits to making an early announcement, including (1) reassuring employees, suppliers
and customers, (2) allowing siblings time to adjust to the decision and to make alternative career
decisions, if necessary, and (3) enabling the entrepreneur to plan for retirement.
The fundamental goal should be to pass the family business successfully to the next generation. To
do this you must feel financially secure, secure with the company's future goals and plans and
secure with your successor.
______________________________________________________________________________
ESTATE PLANNING
The last plan to consider is your estate plan. In the family business, the bulk of your assets are
usually tied up in the business. You need an attorney who understands family business and the laws
concerning transferring business assets across generations. While the following information is not a
substitute for advice from legal counsel, it may help you in planning your estate.
The 1990 income tax law revived the recapitalization technique known as estate freeze, which had
been eliminated. This technique allows the owners of a business to reduce their estate taxes by
freezing the value of the business at a particular point in time. Estate taxes are reduced because the
majority of the stock of the business will not appreciate over time.
The owners do this by creating preferred stock that enables them to retain operating control of the
business while transferring common stock to their children. Unlike common stock, preferred stock
will not appreciate over time. However, when preferred stock is transferred to the children, they
will pay estate taxes in the form of gift taxes. It is highly recommended that you consult legal
counsel concerning this matter because tax laws are constantly changing.
21. Transfer Tax Deferral Techniques
This first set of techniques includes the will, living trust, marital deduction trust and installment
payment.
The last will and testament is a legal declaration of your desires or wishes regarding the disposition
of your probate estate. It is the basic element of most estate plans. If you have not prepared your
own will, your state of residence has prepared one for you through its laws and regulations.
The living trust is a completely changeable agreement between its creator (donor) and its property
manager (trustee) established for the benefit of a recipient (beneficiary). It is created while the
donor is alive to hold assets for the donor's use until death and for use in transferring property
outside of the donor's will (as part of the donor's nonprobate estate) upon the donor's death. It is
particularly useful in managing the donor's property during a long term disability.
The marital deduction trust is created in your will or in your living trust for the benefit of your
spouse after your death. The minimum benefit your surviving spouse can receive is the mandatory
distribution of income from the trust property. Your spouse's rights to the trust principal while you
are alive can be limited by you as stated in the trust agreement. Property placed in a qualified
marital deduction trust is not subject to federal estate tax at your death. Instead, any tax is assessed
when your spouse dies. This type of marital deduction trust is called a qualified terminable interest
property trust (QTIP Trust). The disposition of the trust property, if any, remaining at your spouse's
death is determined by you under the terms of the trust agreement, not by your spouse's will.
A fourth transfer tax deferral tool is the installment payment of the federal estate tax attributable to
the value of a family business. Internal Revenue Code Section 6166 allows a 14-year payout of the
estate tax. To qualify, the family business must be an active trade or business, and your interest in
the business must have a value equal to at least 35 percent of your estate. Qualification of the
deferred payout allows you to pay no federal estate tax on the value of the family business for five
years. The federal estate tax, with annual interest, is paid in equal annual payments over a ten-year
period beginning in the fifth year. However, a sale by your heirs of 50 percent or more of your
interest in the family business during the payout period will result in accelerating the estate tax
payment.
Transfer Tax Exclusion Techniques
A second set of tools available to the estate planner are transfer tax exclusion techniques. These
include the unified credit/exemption equivalent trust, the dynastic trust, the annual exclusion gift,
unified credit/exemption equivalent gift and the statutory grantor retained interest trust.
The unified credit/exemption equivalent trust is created in your will or living trust for the benefit of
whomever you desire. It is funded with the maximum amount of property you can leave to
beneficiaries other than your spouse without the application of the federal estate tax (generally
$600,000). While you are free to designate any trustee and beneficiary you desire to provide for
restrictive or expansive trust terms, normally your surviving spouse or children are the
22. beneficiaries.
The dynastic trust is created in your will or in a living trust. It is funded with the maximum amount
of property you can leave to grandchildren or other third generation beneficiaries without the
application of the federal generation-skipping transfer tax (generally one million dollars).
The annual exclusion gift consists of gifts of cash or other property of $10,000 or less per recipient
per year. These are free of federal gift taxation. Such gifts, as well as their appreciation in value and
future income from them, are also excluded from federal estate and generation-skipping transfer
taxation.
The unified credit/exemption equivalent gift is a gift of a future interest in property or of a personal
interest in excess of the annual exclusion gift amount. This gift may be made in the amount of
$600,000 during your lifetime without incurring federal gift taxation and will exclude postgift
appreciation and income of the property from your estate for purposes of federal transfer taxation.
This tool is integrated with the unified credit/exemption gift. This means the united credit's
exclusion of $600,000 in property value is allowed only once. You may, however, choose to take it
while you are living or at your death.
The statutory grantor retained interest trust is a trust created while you are alive. It provides for
retaining an income interest in the property transferred to the trust for a ten-year term. It also
provides a transfer, by you, of a remainder of the interest in the trust property to a third party at the
end of the term. The value of your gift for federal gift tax purposes is the value of the remaining
interest as determined by an IRS table. If you survive the trust term, the entire value of the trust
property (including any appreciation in the value of the property) is excluded from your estate. If
you die during the trust term, the entire trust property, at its value on the date of your death, is
subject to federal estate taxation. You, however, receive credit for any gift tax paid or unified credit
used in creation of the trust. But you may not be the trustee of this trust.
Again, seek competent legal help when you begin planning your estate. There are some aspects of
estate planning that you should consider. Many times the bulk of the business owner's estate is the
business assets. If you leave these assets to your successor, other siblings may be left out. If you
divide them equally among siblings, you deny control to your successor. Children need to be treated
fairly; therefore, it is important that you consider carefully all aspects of estate planning.
______________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
Transferring the family business requires the family to make a determined effort to do the
following:
− Communicate.
− Create a business strategic plan, including
-- Business mission.
23. -- Business goals.
-- Strategy to achieve goals.
− Create a family strategic plan, including a
-- Unified vision of the family's role in the business.
-- Code of conduct for family members.
-- Joint operating policies that serve the family and business.
-- Family creed.
− Prepare a Financial Plan for Retirement.
− Prepare an Estate Plan.
− Prepare a Succession Plan, including
-- Arranging for successor training.
-- Setting a retirement date.
-- Championing your successor.
There are many organizations, books and magazines that can help you plan and manage a
successful family business. Refer to Appendix E: Information Resources. Gather as much
information and read as many references as possible before you devise a plan for managing and
transferring the family business. You will find that following the guidelines discussed in this
publication will make the process easier and more successful.
______________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
Benson, B., E.T. Crego, and R.H. Drucker. Your Family Business. Homewood, IL: Dow Jones-
Irwin, 1990.
Bowman-Upton, N. Family Business Succession. Waco, TX: Institute for Family Business, Baylor
University, 1987.
Danco, L.A. and D.J. Jonovic. Outside Directors in the Family Owned Business. Cleveland, OH:
The University Press Inc., 1981.
Landsberg, I. The Succession Conspiracy, Family Business Review. 1(1981): 119144.
24. Ward, J.L. Keeping the Family Business Healthy. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1988.
______________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A: FAMILY BUSINESS ASSESSMENT INVENTORY
Section I YES NO
Business issues
1. Have goals for sales and profits been set? _____ _____
2. Do we have a business plan? _____ _____
3. Do we have a strategic plan? _____ _____
4. Is the business in good financial standing? _____ _____
5. Do we have a compensation system? _____ _____
6. Do we have a performance appraisal system? _____ _____
7. Do we have a board of directors? _____ _____
8. Can we attract and retain nonfamily managers? _____ _____
9. Is the business in a highly competitive industry? _____ _____
10. Are we experiencing an increase in sales? _____ _____
Family business issues
1. Do family members know they are welcome to join the firm? _____ _____
2. Do we have policies for entry into and exit from the firm? _____ _____
3. Is a system in place to train and develop the successor? _____ _____
4. Do we have a succession plan? _____ _____
5. Can family members in the firm effectively communicate? _____ _____
6. Do we have a system to resolve conflict among family members? _____ _____
25. 7. Are women welcomed in the business? _____ _____
8. Is there a minimum amount of sibling rivalry in the firm? _____ _____
9. Is there a system in place for choosing a successor? _____ _____
10. Does the family agree on goals for the business? _____ _____
If you answered no to any item action should be outlined and implemented to address and set
policies for that item.
Section II
The following items need to be discussed in the family business:
− Leadership succession.
− Ownership transfer.
− Communication policies.
− Compensation policies.
− Rights and responsibilities of nonfamily employees.
− Rights and responsibilities of in-laws.
− Creating change.
− Development of a management team.
− Long-term planning for the business.
− Obtaining financing.
− Financial equity among children.
− Resolving conflict.
− Hiring and firing practices.
− Sibling rivalry.
− Organizational relationships.
− Working with advisers.
26. This list should be distributed to every family member. Responses should be compared and issues
of concern to family members identified. Unresolved issues should be discussed and polices
established to resolve them.
______________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX B: STRATEGIC PLAN CHECKLIST
YES NO
1. Have I listed the emerging opportunities in my industry? _____ _____
2. Have I listed the environmental threats to my firm? _____ _____
3. Have I listed the internal strengths of my firm? _____ _____
4. Have I listed the internal weaknesses of my firm? _____ _____
5. Have my family and I listed our personal goals and objectives? _____ _____
6. Do I have a mission statement? _____ _____
7. Have I listed goals (objectives) for the firm? _____ _____
8. Are the objectives for my firm in line with my family's personal goals? _____ _____
9. Are the objectives for my firm in line with the analysis of my firm's strengths
and weaknesses? _____ _____
10. Have I written a strategy to meet my objectives? _____ _____
11. Are my actions
-- manageable (one year or less)? _____ _____
-- accountable (someone is responsible)? _____ _____
-- reasonable? _____ _____
______________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX C: PRE-RETREAT PLANNING
Determine which questions would be most beneficial to address at your retreat. Have everyone
answer these.
Personal Questions
27. 1. Do you have a desire to be the successor in the family business?
2. What are your reasons for wanting to be the successor?
3. Have you signed a letter of commitment?
4. Do you intend to work outside the family business?
5. Do you have the necessary education to handle the job?
6. Are your values comparable to the founder's values?
7. What strengths do you have that can benefit the organization?
8. Do you have a vision for the company?
9. Are you willing to make sacrifices (such as your family time) for the business?
10. Is your choice to become successor your own, or is it expected by the family?
Questions Dealing with the Family
1. What are the reasons for perpetuating the family business?
2. Are you aware that the odds are not in favor of the survival of the business?
3. What is the history of the family business?
4. How does the family get along?
5. Is anyone qualified to be the successor?
6. Who will choose the successor?
7. How will the successor be chosen?
8. At what age will potential successors be allowed to work in the family business?
9. Is there a minimum education level required to become the successor?
10. Will there be a position in the family business for all interested relatives?
11. Are there any special conditions for entering the family business?
12. Who will determine salaries?
28. 13. Will salaries be paid evenly across the board or by performance?
14. Will a mentor be assigned?
15. Will the successor be accepted by the family?
16. Is anyone in the family eligible to become the successor?
17. How will conflict among relatives be resolved?
18. Will the successor start in an entry-level or management position?
19. At approximately what age will the successor take control?
20. Will a spouse be allowed to work in the family business?
21. How long will the potential successor remain in control?
22. Is there a procedure for filing grievances in the business?
23. Is there a code of conduct?
24. Will all potential successors work at the headquarters or at different divisions?
25. Are the successor's suggestions taken seriously?
Questions Relating to the Business
1. In what stage of the industry life cycle is the family business?
2. What is the company's mission statement?
3. Can the business support another executive?
4. What are the company's strengths and weaknesses?
5. Who are the firm's competitors?
6. Are there any barriers to entry?
7. What are the competitors' strengths and weaknesses?
8. What is the business's current market share?
9. Has the founder told employees the business will stay in the family?
29. 10. Do employees hear news directly or through the grapevine?
11. How does the family business compare with other companies in the same industry?
12. Is there a manager in place capable of running the business if something should happen to
the founder and the successor is not ready?
13. Will current employees stay when the power changes hands?
14. Are the company's goals shared by the employees?
15. Is the family business ahead or behind technologically?
16. Does the interest of the family or at the business come first?
17. Is the family willing to sacrifice today to prosper later?
18. Will the employees accept the successor?
19. Is the timing right to announce the successor?
20. Is there fresh talent in senior level positions?
21. Is there an established budget?
22. Is reinvesting in the family business a priority?
______________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX D: ASSESSMENT OF CANDIDATES
Instructions: List below all of the potential successors to you as principal owner. For each quality
rate the candidate on a scale of one to five with five very high and one very low.
The Columns should be labeled
− Name
− Related education
− Relevant experience
− Commitment to family and firm
− Management style
30. − Communications ability
− Financial stewardship for the family
− Creativity
− Guts and ambition
− Alignment with your values
− Totals
Meaning of totals: The total for each candidate is your assessment of how capable he or she would
be as a successor. The total column across the bottom indicates the qualities in good
supply in your group and those that may be lacking.
______________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX E: INFORMATION RESOURCES
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA offers an extensive selection of information on most business management topics, from
how to start a business to exporting your products.
This information is listed in The Small Business Directory. For a free copy contact your nearest
SBA office.
SBA has offices throughout the country. Consult the U.S. Government section in your telephone
directory for the office nearest you. SBA offers a number of programs and services, including
training and educational programs, counseling services, financial programs and contract assistance.
Ask about
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a national organization sponsored by
SBA of over 13,000 volunteer business executives who provide free counseling, workshops
and seminars to prospective and existing small business people.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), sponsored by the SBA in partnership
with state and local governments, the educational community and the private sector. They
provide assistance, counseling and training to prospective and existing business people.
Small Business Institutes (SBIs), organized through SBA on more than 500 college
campuses nationwide. The institutes provide counseling by students and faculty to small
business clients.
For more information about SBA business development programs and services call the SBA Small
Business Answer Desk at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (827-5722).
31. Other U.S. Government Resources
Many publications on business management and other related topics are available from the
Government Printing Office (GPO). GPO bookstores are located in 24 major cities and are listed in
the Yellow Pages under the bookstore heading. You can request a Subject Bibliography by writing
to Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402-9328.
Many federal agencies offer publications of interest to small businesses. There is a nominal fee for
some, but most are free. Below is a selected list of government agencies that provide publications
and other services targeted to small businesses. To get their publications, contact the regional
offices listed in the telephone directory or write to the addresses below:
Consumer Information Center (CIC)
P.O. Box 100
Pueblo, CO 81002
The CIC offers a consumer information catalog of federal publications.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Publications Request
Washington, DC 20207
The CPSC offers guidelines for product safety requirements.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
The USDA offers publications on selling to the USDA. Publications and programs on
entrepreneurship are also available through county extension offices nationwide.
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)
Office of Business Liaison
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Room 5898C
Washington, DC 20230
DOC's Business Assistance Center provides listings of business opportunities available in the
federal government. This service also will refer businesses to different programs and services in the
DOC and other federal agencies.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Public Health Service
Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Drug Free Workplace Helpline: 1-800-843-4971. Provides information on Employee Assistance
Programs.
National Institute for Drug Abuse Hotline:
32. 1-800-662-4357. Provides information on preventing substance abuse in the workplace.
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: 1-800-729-6686 toll-free. Provides
pamphlets and resource materials on substance abuse.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Employment Standards Administration
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210
The DOL offers publications on compliance with labor laws.
U.S. Department of Treasury
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
P.O. Box 25866
Richmond, VA 23260
1-800-424-3676
The IRS offers information on tax requirements for small businesses.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Small Business Ombudsman
401 M Street, SW (A-149C)
Washington, DC 20460
1-800-368-5888 except DC and VA
703-557-1938 in DC and VA
The EPA offers more than 100 publications designed to help small businesses understand how they
can comply with EPA regulations.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
200 Charles Street, SW
Washington, DC 20402
The FDA offers information on packaging and labeling requirements for food and food-related
products.
For More Information
A librarian can help you locate the specific information you need in reference books. Most libraries
have a variety of directories, indexes and encyclopedias that cover many business topics. They also
have other resources, such as
− Trade association information
Ask the librarian to show you a directory of trade associations. Associations provide
a valuable network of resources to their members through publications and services
such as newsletters, conferences and seminars.
33. − Books
Many guidebooks, textbooks and manuals on small business are published annually.
To find the names of books not in your local library check Books In Print, a
directory of books currently available from publishers.
− Magazine and newspaper articles
Business and professional magazines provide information that is more current than
that found in books and textbooks. There are a number of indexes to help you find
specific articles in periodicals.
In addition to books and magazines, many libraries offer free workshops, lend skill-building tapes
and have catalogues and brochures describing continuing education opportunities.