This collection of conceptual work and empirical research proposes a multi-dimension framework to describe family business systems and brings new insights to families in the work place.This book is a selection of papers created by contributors for the IESE Business School International Family Owned Business Conference, 2008. It offers a theory of family history and demographic factors that drive the resolution of the issue. It includes conceptual work and empirical study, looking at both theory and practice.Governing a large family of shareholders raises many challenging issues. This collection of conceptual work and empirical research proposes a multi-dimension framework to describe family business systems and brings new insights to families on how they can transfer important values to the next generation of staff.

In celebration of IESE's 50 years of bridging the gap between theory and practice, this essential compilation brings together today's top researchers to tackle the real-life issues that family business owners face on a daily basis, shedding new light on the values that shape these special types of companies.