Das chinesische Familienunternehmen und seine Familie

The case study ‚The Chinese Family Business and Its Family – A Travelogue‘ (FuS 4/2015) by Hermut Kormann, Birgit Suberg, Pan Yuexin and Reinhard Prügl describes the impressions gained during three research trips to China. These trips included workshops with family businesses and in-depth interviews, which provide valuable insights into the challenges and strategies faced by Chinese entrepreneurial families. The authors examine the development of family businesses in China and their interactions with German family businesses, with a view to fostering mutual learning processes.

The theoretical foundations of the report are based on empirical data collected during the research trips. The authors analyse the structure and governance of Chinese family businesses, which are often shaped by traditional values, and discuss the challenges that arise during the transition from one generation to the next. The methodology comprises qualitative interviews and workshops, which provide deeper insight into the mindset and strategies of these entrepreneurial families.

The report’s findings show that Chinese family business owners can learn from the experiences of German family businesses, particularly with regard to governance and succession planning. The authors emphasise the need to intensify the exchange between these two groups in order to overcome the challenges facing the next generation and to develop sustainable strategies. This provides valuable impetus for the strategic direction of family businesses in both countries.