• Research Summary

Family Business Governance

Davis's other current work explores family, business, and ownership governance in the family business system. A book on this topic is in process. Included in this body of work is a large-scale survey project on corporate governance of Brazilian family companies and... View Details

• Clubs

Family Business Club

• July 2007 (Revised September 2007)
• Background Note

Compensating Family Employees in a Family Business

By: John A. Davis

Explores the core issues involved in compensating family employees in a family business. Explains family interests and other factors that shape family employee compensation practices. Distinguishes between achieving effective compensation practices, which help to... View Details

Keywords: Family Business; Employees; Compensation and Benefits

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Davis, John A. "Compensating Family Employees in a Family Business." Harvard Business School Background Note 808-021, July 2007. (Revised September 2007.)

• August 2019 (Revised March 2022)
• Case

Family Matters: Governance at the Zamil Group

By: Christina R. Wing, Suraj Srinivasan and Esel Çekin

This case focuses on a large Saudi Arabian industrial conglomerate and family business Zamil Group’s corporate and family governance journey. The 12 sons of the founder led and grew the group successfully after taking over from their father in 1961. The secret to their... View Details

Keywords: Middle East; Family Ownership; Family-owned Business; Saudi Arabia; Family Business; Governance; Organizational Structure; Values and Beliefs; Steel Industry; Industrial Products Industry; Middle East; Saudi Arabia; Bahrain

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Wing, Christina R., Suraj Srinivasan, and Esel Çekin. "Family Matters: Governance at the Zamil Group." Harvard Business School Case 620-009, August 2019. (Revised March 2022.)

• Research Summary

Family Business Dynastic Success

Davis is also completing a several year study of successful family business dynasties, examining the management, ownership and family practices that help to perpetuate successful businesses and families. He is developing a book for Harvard University Press on this... View Details

• July 1999 (Revised July 2007)
• Background Note

Preparing Family Business Cases

By: John A. Davis

Advises students on how to prepare and discuss a family business case. View Details

Keywords: Family Business; Business Education; Cases; Family Ownership; Research

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Davis, John A. "Preparing Family Business Cases." Harvard Business School Background Note 800-021, July 1999. (Revised July 2007.)

• Program

Families in Business

Summary Family enterprises must strive for growth amidst fierce competition, an evolving marketplace, and demanding customers. But family enterprises also face a unique set of challenges and opportunities.... View Details

• August 2006 (Revised July 2007)
• Background Note

Governance of the Family Business

By: John A. Davis

Reviews the ways to achieve governance of the family business. Points out the importance of plans (e.g., strategic plans), statements (e.g., mission statements), policies, rules, and agreements to the governance process. Discusses the roles of three structures in... View Details

Keywords: Family Business; Corporate Governance; Governing and Advisory Boards; Management Teams; Mission and Purpose

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Davis, John A. "Governance of the Family Business." Harvard Business School Background Note 807-022, August 2006. (Revised July 2007.)

• 18 Apr 2016
• Blog Post

Meet the HBS Family Business Club

The mission of the Family Business Club (FBC) is to bring together students with family business backgrounds to facilitate discussions and... View Details

• February 2004 (Revised April 2004)
• Exercise

Family Business Ownership Goals Worksheet

By: John A. Davis

Family members who either own a business or who could inherit ownership in a business are helped to clarify how they would like to have the business owned in the future. View Details

Keywords: Family Business; Family Ownership; Decision Making

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Davis, John A. "Family Business Ownership Goals Worksheet." Harvard Business School Exercise 804-145, February 2004. (Revised April 2004.)

• September 2024
• Technical Note

How to Pay Family Employees in a Family Business

By: Christina R. Wing, Maryann G Bell and Kara A Perusse

Family businesses play a pivotal role in global economies, contributing significantly to employment and wealth creation. However, managing compensation for family members within these enterprises can be complex. Family employees frequently intertwine their roles as... View Details

Keywords: Family Business; Fairness; Compensation and Benefits; Alignment

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Wing, Christina R., Maryann G Bell, and Kara A Perusse. "How to Pay Family Employees in a Family Business." Harvard Business School Technical Note 625-032, September 2024.

• August 2006 (Revised July 2007)
• Background Note

Governance of the Business Family

By: John A. Davis

Explains the purposes, processes, standards, plans, and agreements that together help to govern (or steer) a family that owns a family business. View Details

Keywords: Family Business; Corporate Governance; Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms; Family Ownership

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Davis, John A. "Governance of the Business Family." Harvard Business School Background Note 807-020, August 2006. (Revised July 2007.)