Mixing business with family – can it work?

Family Business Australia (FBA), a non-profit organisation working with families in business, has developed a two-day course to help family members be effective directors, and understand the dynamics that can affect their judgement.

FBA, in conjunction with the leading Australian provider of family business education, the Australian Centre for Family Business at Bond University, has focused not only on business governance but governance pertaining to family involvement.

This course is designed to cover material not currently offered in Australia today. The emphasis is on balancing the needs of the family and the business when developing management and governance structures such as boards and advisory councils.

Too often we hear the warning that we should never work with friends or family. Advice clearly ignored by 74 percent of all business owners in Australia. If these businesses are to flourish – and families continue to enjoy Sunday lunch together – understanding of and education in the dynamics at work is the best preparation for success.

The two-day course will be presented by highly qualified family business academics, as well as a family business director who will share his or her experiences from the coal face. The ACFB has invited several of these successful family business entrepreneurs to join the faculty as Adjunct Professors, adding a practical, hands on approach to this unique course.

For more information contact fbae@fambiz.org.au