THE LANDSCAPE OF

FAMILY BUSINESS
SORENSON, YU, BRIGHAM, & LUMPKIN (2012 )
UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF
FAMILY BUSINESS
 UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF
FAMILY BUSINESS

• The Landscape map developed by Sorenson et al.

(2012) provides a comprehensive visual aid that
reflects the scope of family business outcomes and
helps define their relationship with one another.
• The map contains 2 dimensions, 7 outcome
clusters, and 34 outcome categories.
• The authors examined numerous studies written
during a span of 12 years and published in 9
journals!
• Originally, 327 outcome variables were identified
but it was narrowed down to only 34 by using expert
analysis (Delphi Technique)
 UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF
FAMILY BUSINESS

• It is important to note that the map shows how

UNIQUE family business are compared to those
which are non-family owned.
• 16 of the outcome categories fall under the
business dimension while 18 belong to the family
dimension.
• Over time, family business issues become
increasingly complex. And for these issues to be
addressed properly, they naturally require different
levels of attention, collaboration, as well as
problem-solving skills.
UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF
FAMILY BUSINESS

Development &
Preparation of
Long-term need
Family Members
for the FB to
for Long-Term
Thrive
Involvement in
the FB

Immediate
Family
Concerns for FB
Relationships,
Survival and for
Defining
the promotion
Characteristics,
of Socio-
& Attitude
Economic
Towards the FB
Welfare
 UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF
FAMILY BUSINESS

PERFORMANCE •The ultimate measure of success for a family business

STRATEGY •Policies & plans enacted by a family business

SOCIAL/ECONOMIC •Reciprocal exchanges between the family business & its

IMPACT environment

•Success & longevity of the family business over the long

SUCCESSION term

FAMILY BUSINESS ROLES •Roles & attitudes of family and non-family members

FAMILY DYNAMICS •Interactions & aspirations of family members

•Decision processes & control mechanisms that achieve

GOVERNANCE family-business balance and oversee succession
 UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF
FAMILY BUSINESS

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LANDSCAPE MAP IN ACTUAL PRACTICE

• Map can be used to assess the extent to which
attention is given to the dimensions & clusters.
• The 7 clusters can provide areas for discussion
between advisors/consultants and family business
owners.
• Map can be used to examine the extent to which
decision-makers represent all dimensions.
• The map could be developed into scorecards used
to measure achievements or progress towards a
goal.