Understanding the Family Business: Exploring the Differences Between Family and Nonfamily Businesses

Keanon J. Alderson

May 2018 · Business Expert Press

About this ebook

This outstanding book provides you with a detailed look at family businesses, the most prevalent form of business in the world. Whether you are a business student, or a member of a family who owns a business, you will definitely benefit from this book, which leads with an introduction to the unique nature of family businesses. Inside, the author explores the many differences between a family-owned business and a nonfamily-owned business. He discusses the major family business theories and shows how family firms make business decisions. This book also defines the significant issues prevalent in family firms and explores the most problematic issue: the succession or the transfer of ownership to the next generation. If you are a professional advisor to family firms—such as accountants, attorneys, bankers, insurance providers, and financial services—you’ll undoubtedly develop a better understanding for your clients.

About the author

Keanon J. Alderson holds an MBA and a PhD in organization and management. He is a professor of management at California Baptist University in the Robert K. Jabs School of Business where he teaches a family business management course. His research has been published in the Thunderbird International Business Review, the Journal of Family Business Management, Family Business Magazine, and his own book Understanding the Family Business: Exploring the Differences between Family and Non-family Firms, by Business Expert Press (2018). He has contributed five chapters to collected volumes, presented to numerous audiences, and is in demand as a speaker. He consults with family-owned firms on succession, developing an effective board, corporate and family governance, preventing conflict, decision making, and increasing the professionalism and effectiveness of family owned firms.