Books in the A Family Business Publication series

This book establishes the principles and patterns necessary to laying the foundation for capital and liquidity planning. Through an in-depth examination of financial situations, it leads family businesses to making wise, well-timed choices about the future of the business and the family.

Strong family governance can create an environment of smooth decision making, cohesiveness, effective conflict resolution and a directive that moves the business forward. Authors Aronoff and Ward show leaders why a strong governance is critical to taking families from one generation of success to the next.

Strategies for family firms, unlike those of other businesses, can and should incorporate family factors. Responsible and disciplined strategic integration of family and business goals, strengths and values produces powerful results.

Developing policies to guide decision making can help the family business avoid serious problems. The authors provide a step-by-step process for engaging family members in developing policies which cover issues such as: dealing with conflicts of interest; retirement timing; distribution of profits; loan programs; compensation and succession.

It's so important that the generations to come understand and share in the founder's vision and philosophy. Authors Aronoff and Ward help leaders discover their own values and then they provide ways to infuse these values into the fabric of their business for generations to come.

Hiring and working with non-family managers can present challenges to the family business. However, it is essential to create an environment in which non-family managers can suceed for the good of the business and the good of the family. This book explores the processes of hiring, managing, and retaining talented outside executives.

Family businesses that expect to endure over a long period of time must learn to respond and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. The authors provide a new appreciation for the importance of change and the tools necessary to incorporate change as a company tradition.