Reasons for Starting or Resisting a Family Council

Abstract

What motivates a business family to establish a family council? Is it because they have heard it was a good idea from another business family? Is it because a family member read a book or went to a seminar? Or is a family council started because it was recommended by a consultant or advisor? Family councils are usually started for any or all of these reasons, among others. When we begin working with a family, we are curious to learn why a family is receptive to implementing a family council. We also like to understand why families do not respond to our recommendation to start a family council. Over the years, we have kept track of the reasons why families are ready to jump in as well as the reasons for their resistance to family councils.