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Family Wars

Classic Conflicts in Family Business and How to Deal with Them

by Grant Gordon and Nigel Nicholson

Kogan Page, 2008

Category: Small Business

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Family Wars

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In this summary you will learn

  • Why some family businesses become embroiled in internal warfare
  • How family problems affected some world-famous businesses
  • How your family business can operate harmoniously

Why you should read Family Wars

The TV show Dallas intrigued audiences worldwide. It was a sensational hit because it centered on a rich family, and dealt with scandalous, sinister themes, such as love, hate, jealousy, rivalry, wealth and revenge. However, according to authors Grant Gordon and Nigel Nicholson, these issues are not purely the fabrication of a Hollywood studio, but often take center stage in real-life family businesses. Gordon and Nicholson examine why some family businesses turn schizoid or malignant. They provide numerous shocking cautionary tales of warring families. From wide-ranging fictitious stories, including Hamlet and The Lion King, to infamous family boardroom battles at firms such as the Bata Shoe Company, the Seagram Corporation and Koch Industries, each account teaches a powerful lesson. The authors also proffer recommendations on how relatives can amicably resolve ownership, management or control differences concerning their family firms. getAbstract believes that anyone who is involved with a family business, even those who are not currently at each other’s throats, can benefit by reading this insightful, instructive book. Forewarned is forearmed.

About the Authors

Grant Gordon is director general of a nonprofit membership organization that supports family-based businesses in the United Kingdom. Nigel Nicholson, writer and educator, is a professor of organizational behavior at the London Business School.

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