Die lernende Unternehmerfamilie

In his lecture „The Learning Entrepreneurial Family – How Differences Become Distinctions“ (2019), Prof. Dr Heiko Kleve explains how entrepreneurial families can become learning systems and remain capable of learning. The focus is on the question of how learning can be understood, encouraged and structured within entrepreneurial families – both at an individual level and in the interplay between family, organisation and network.

Kleve distinguishes between three dimensions of learning: mind, heart and hand. Learning therefore encompasses not only the absorption of information, but also emotional anchoring and practical action. At the same time, the lecture makes it clear that human systems cannot be directly controlled. Learning cannot therefore simply be „transferred“, but can only be stimulated through appropriate spaces for communication and experience.

This perspective is particularly relevant for entrepreneurial families because they are hybrid systems: they function as a family, whilst at the same time organising themselves through committees, roles and structures, and, as they grow in size, take on the characteristics of a network. The presentation demonstrates that a learning entrepreneurial family must strike a balance between tradition and innovation, share knowledge, strengthen relationships and establish joint learning formats. The paper thus provides fundamental guidance for families wishing to further develop their shareholder competence, governance and cohesion in the long term.