Family dynamics in the family business

A succession plan may be in place, but the transfer is not progressing. Or the same discussion about the direction of the business keeps returning. Sometimes, the way family members work together needs attention first. RSM supports business families in understanding what is happening and making agreements that help them move forward.

How family patterns influence collaboration

Within a family business, each person views decisions from their own role. As a director, for example, you may want to appoint the most suitable successor. As a parent, you may also take your children’s expectations into account. Family members who work outside the business may have different priorities from those who are involved in its day-to-day management.

Past experiences and established habits can also influence how family members work together. This may include a previous transfer, a business crisis, a bereavement or a conflict. Patterns that once helped the family to work together may no longer fit the current situation. Exploring these patterns can help clarify why certain topics create tension or keep returning.

What is family systems guidance?

Family systems guidance focuses on the relationships between family members, generations, roles and past events. Together with your family, we explore which patterns and expectations influence the way you work together today.

We may discuss why certain conversations repeatedly reach an impasse or which expectations have never been made explicit. We also consider what family members need in order to move forward together. The insights gained can help the family explore different ways of working together.

When can guidance help?

Support with family dynamics can be valuable in situations involving:

• Business succession and the transfer of responsibilities.
• Collaboration between generations or different branches of the family.
• Recurring discussions about ownership, dividends or the direction of the business.
• Developing a family charter.
• Changes resulting from a sale, bereavement or divorce.
• Conflicts within the family.

Making careful decisions as a family

Family members do not have to agree on everything in order to make decisions together. It is important, however, to be clear about who has decision-making authority, how different interests are taken into account and what is expected of those involved after a decision has been made.

We facilitate discussions in which family members can explain their views and priorities. We help clarify the considerations involved and discuss expectations around implementation. This approach reflects the principles of Fair Process: those involved are able to contribute, receive an explanation of decisions and understand what the next steps are.

From insight to practical agreements

Your family and the relevant directors or shareholders remain responsible for making decisions. RSM facilitates the discussions and helps translate the outcomes into practical agreements.

If those agreements relate to ownership, decision-making or family wealth, we connect this support with our expertise in family governance, business succession and wealth planning. This helps ensure that the next steps reflect what has been discussed within the family.

Discuss what is happening within your family

Are discussions repeatedly reaching an impasse, or would you like to prepare carefully for an upcoming change? We would be pleased to discuss how we can support your family.