Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is a Family Business?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

A family business is any type of business operation in which a group of relatives have controlling interest in the corporation. These types of businesses may range from a local mom and pop retail store to a commercial family farm and even to large corporations operating in multiple locations. In many instances, a family business is passed from one generation to the next, with children often training to enter the business at certain ages and take over various functions from their parents over time.

While there are exceptions, it is not unusual for the owners of a family business to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. The degree of involvement will depend on the actual roles that family members play within the operation as well as the total interest held by each member in the operation. Typically, family members will hold key roles in terms of being decision makers, augmenting their skills and talents by hiring employees that are capable of managing other essential tasks.

Family businesses often include small grocery stores.
Family businesses often include small grocery stores.

There are a number of benefits associated with the family business model. One has to do with providing a means for successive generations to earn a living. By creating a viable business that continues to be profitable from one generation to the next, offspring can choose to enter the business and establish careers without dealing with a great deal of competition. Since younger members are often mentored and groomed to enter the business once they complete their education, the transition is normally seamless for both those who are handing over responsibilities and those who are assuming them. This type of continuity is often reflected in the maintaining of an efficient company operation as well as allowing the business to consistently turn out goods and services that comply with the company’s quality standards.

A family business may be passed from one generation to the next.
A family business may be passed from one generation to the next.

One potential drawback in any family business operation is the potential to exclude valuable employees who are not family members. When this type of activity is common to the business model, there is often a regular turnover of non-family employees who find that they have limited potential for advancement and choose to seek opportunities with another employer. For this reason, the owners of a family business will often take steps to ensure that non-family employees are not marginalized in the culture of the business and seek to offer opportunities for growth and advancement based on expertise, experience, and merit.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Sporkasia

I have been doing research on family owned companies in the United Sates for an article. Family owned businesses are considered the foundation of the American economy. Of course, this is also true in much of the world.

In North America, according to some sources, family run businesses account for more than 80 percent of the all the businesses on the continent.

I find this absolutely fascinating. I knew that small businesses and family businesses were an integral part of most economies, but I had no idea just how large of a portion of the market they occupied.

Drentel

I couldn't agree more with what this article has to say about family businesses. As a kid, there is a certain level of confidence in the knowledge that one day you will help run a successful business, and you will not have to jump through all the usual hoops associated with a profession.

When I started working in the family business, I didn't think much of what I was entering into. Working there was just as natural as getting out of bed in the morning. Looking back, if I had known then what I know now, I would have considered other options.

The worse thing about a family owned company is that I can't leave work at work. The job automatically comes home with me and shapes my personal life. When everything is good at work, life is good. When there are disagreements at work, I can't escape them at the end of the day.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Family businesses often include small grocery stores.
      By: Monkey Business
      Family businesses often include small grocery stores.
    • A family business may be passed from one generation to the next.
      By: imtmphoto
      A family business may be passed from one generation to the next.
    • Several generations may work together in a family business.
      By: Kablonk Micro
      Several generations may work together in a family business.
    • Family businesses focus more on help people in the community achieve their goals than profit.
      By: westfotos.de
      Family businesses focus more on help people in the community achieve their goals than profit.
    • A family business can range from a small retail store to a commercial family farm.
      By: Rido
      A family business can range from a small retail store to a commercial family farm.
    • Couples may start as business initially as a way to earn extra money on the side.
      By: Ferrante Pietro
      Couples may start as business initially as a way to earn extra money on the side.