Research Insight

This type of article provides practical advice and takeaways based on previously published research articles in other journals. It is written in a journalistic, accessible style that is easily understood by non-academic audiences.


How Business Families Can Invest for Social Impact

“ My great-great grandfather spent the first half of his life making money, and the second half of his life, giving it away - and the family has continued a strong tradition of both business and Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Cristina Maria Cruz Serrano , Rachida Justo and Jeanne Roche

Should Former Leaders Stay Involved in the Family Firm?

For many family business owners, thinking about succession can be challenging. It’s a lengthy process, and filled with questions and activities that seem daunting initially. However, it is Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Melania Riefolo , Sena Özkara , Jan-Philipp Ahrens and Niloufar Nekouei

Why Families and Their Firms Behave Badly

Sometimes the worst behavior happens for all the right reasons. Putting "family first" can jeopardize the business's health and longevity. EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was produced in partnership Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Roland Kidwell , Kimberly Eddleston , Linda Kidwell , John Cater and Ellison Howard

How Well are Business Owners Preparing for Succession and Transition?

American business owners are aging. According to the 2021 US Census, nearly  52% of business owners are 55+ and 23% are 65+. This is consistent with the increased proportion of aging Americans Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Author: Michael Darger

Single Family Offices as Owners: Long-Term Investors or Financial Optimizers?

When a family firm reaches a certain size, the family may decide to transfer their wealth and their ownership into a family office. These offices help business families manage their wealth across Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Joern Block , Reza Fathollahi and Onur Eroglu

Parental Divorce Affects Future Entrepreneurial Success

A child’s upbringing within his or her family often sows the seeds of entrepreneurial success later in life. Yet, families today are increasingly fragile, and many entrepreneurs have experienced Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Mateja Andric , Josh Hsueh , Thomas Zellweger and Isabella Hatak

Small Businesses and the Social Fabric of Urban Neighborhoods

In the bustling landscapes of our cities, small businesses play an important economic role. But their impact extends beyond economic activities. In many cities, small businesses are vibrant pillars Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Chris Danner , Abdifatah Ali , Daniel Forbes and Garrett Steede

Why Prominent Business Families Dive Into Politics

Across the world --  from Italy's Berlusconi, to the US’s Kennedy family, to Chile's Matte -- wealthy business families have not only been part of the economic elite but are also political Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Author: Marcelo Ortiz M.

Authenticity Lessons From the Craft Beer Industry

The first rule of authenticity is that you never talk about authenticity; let enthusiastic third parties do the talking for you. EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was produced in partnership with Strategic Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Stanislav Dobrev and Cameron Verhaal

Managing Emotional Minefields Within Family Businesses

Adam looked at the customer standing at the counter in the wine cellar in disbelief. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He found the customer’s comments to be slightly rude. Adam felt anger Read More...

Category: Research Insight

Authors: Dr. Ayoosha Saleem , Francesco Barbera , Simon de Jong and Arvid Hoffmann