Generation to Generation: Life Cycles of the Family Business

by Marion McCollom Hampton, Ivan Lansberg, Gersick Kelin E., et al.

Book Overview

Generation to Generation presents one of the first comprehensive overviews of family business as a specific organizational form. Focusing on the inevitable maturing of families and their firms over time, the authors reveal the dynamics and challenges family businesses face as they move through their life cycles. The book asks questions, such as: what is the difference between an entrepreneurial start-up and a family business, and how does one become...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 087584555X
• ISBN13: 9780875845555
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Packed with Knowledge!

Most businesses in the world today are owned by families, but only a small percentage of these companies will survive and grow into major corporations. The unique challenges posed by family ownership can undermine even the best-performing small business, as issues of control and succession permeate the generations. In Generation to Generation, the authors apply the simple premise that managing a family-owned business to a large extent means managing the family itself. To that end, they provide a rich compendium of research and strategic suggestions for those charged with making a family business work, including the consultants who guide them. We from getAbstract highly recommend this book for these applicable measures and methods, which will help the performance of both business and family.

A perfect blend of theory and practice!

The authors effectively present a theoretical, as well as practical model of family business dynamics, incorporating the complexities of development over time. This book is a must-read to gain a deep understanding of families in business from the key perspectives of familiy, business, and ownership. Their use of case examples effectively illustrate the practical application and relevance of theory. To sum it up, it's steak AND sizzle!

An excellent book for anyone interested in family businesses

I think this is one of the best books available on family businesses! I found it insightful and informative. I think anyone interested in the subject should read this book. I strongly disagree with the review that describes this book as "too theoretical." I found it immensly practical.

Excellent roadmap for family firms

This is a mandatory book for all the people involved in the management of family businesses. I highly recommend it!!!

The best ever study on family business

The authors took ten years studying hundreds of family firms to write this very deep and understanding description of how a family business develops trhu time. A must for anyone interested in this fascinating subject. Antonio C. Vidigal