Ownership Competence in Business Families

In the practical guide *„Shareholder Competence in Entrepreneurial Families – What Family Shareholders and Their Relatives Should Know and Be Able to Do“*, published by the WIFU Foundation (2025), Tom A. Rüsen explains why the systematic development of shareholder competence is a key prerequisite for the long-term viability of family businesses. The publication is a thoroughly revised and expanded new edition of the guide first published in 2019 and combines the latest research findings with practical insights from entrepreneurial families.

Building on a clear definition of family businesses, entrepreneurial families and shareholder competence, this guide develops a multidimensional understanding of competence. At its heart lies the WIFU Dimensions Model, which distinguishes between entrepreneurial, ownership-related, family-related and individual competence. This perspective highlights that shareholder competence extends far beyond business management knowledge and, in particular, encompasses the ability to deal reflectively with systemic tensions between the family, the business and ownership.

The practical guide also demonstrates how shareholder competence can be systematically developed. Drawing on empirical research, it describes typical stages of development, common obstacles and tried-and-tested approaches to developing shareholder competence. This is supplemented by ideal-typical content from shareholder competence programmes, role-based competence requirements and a detailed real-world case study. The publication thus provides a well-founded framework for entrepreneurial families wishing to professionalise their role as owners and ensure its long-term sustainability across generations.