Empty Structures SyndromeEmpty Structures Syndrome

It’s a paradox: Some family owner groups in the third, fourth, fifth generation and beyond have sophisticated governance structures and a history of embracing world-class family business advisory help. They may have even been awarded global recognition for best practices in governance. But, a growing sense of dissatisfaction has crept in among the family owners. As an advisor, you can feel it too—low attendance among family owners at meetings, a disinterested and quiet room even if attendees show up and a sense that members are just going through the motions and rubber-stamping decisions. Decisions don’t feel representative of the family’s interests. Something just doesn’t feel right, as if the glue holding the system together is disinte...