THE BROAD VIEW

Family businesses fail when members overstep their roles

The lines between shareholder, director and executive must be clear

    • A distinct separation of duties in a family enterprise protects both the business and the family. 
    • A distinct separation of duties in a family enterprise protects both the business and the family.  PHOTO: BT FILE
    Published Sat, Jul 4, 2026 · 07:00 AM

    FAMILY businesses seldom fail because of market competition, inflation pressures or a lack of opportunities. More often, it is because ownership, governance and management become blurred.

    As many Asian family enterprises transition from founder-led businesses to second and third-generation control, understanding the distinctions between shareholders, directors and executives is no longer a governance formality. It is a business imperative.

    This confusion may appear harmless at first.