Bharatiya Vidya Bhavani S.P. The Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) played a key role in the comprehensive global report ‘Unleashing Legacy – Path to Best Growth in Family Businesses’. SPJIMR’s Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship (CFBE), in collaboration with the STEP Project Global Consortium and KPMG Private Enterprise, investigates how the interaction of tradition and innovation affects the development of family businesses. This research highlights the crucial role of heritage in promoting sustainable success and intergenerational sustainability.
The report is based on a robust dataset of responses from 2,683 family business leaders in 80 countries. It explores the nuances of heritage and its impact on business operations and strategic decision-making. Through detailed data analysis and first-hand insights from industry leaders, the study provides an in-depth understanding of how family businesses deal with challenges such as market diversification, technological advancement and adherence to traditional values. Professor Tulsi Jayakumar, Managing Director, CFBE, emphasizes the importance of heritage in shaping long-term business strategies. “Heritage connects generations and ensures business continuity and legacy. It guides key decisions and helps companies find a balance between respect for tradition and scope for innovation,” he explains. The study identifies five key heritage components – material, biological, social, identity and entrepreneurship – each of which has a significant impact on business outcomes.
The findings highlight a compelling link between strong legacy scores and business excellence. Notably, 43% of respondents reported high performance across business, environmental and social metrics, highlighting the continued impact of a strong legacy. The report also sheds light on the “paradoxes of succession”, where legacy can be both an asset and a challenge for family businesses striving for growth and sustainability. SPJIMR’s participation in the report was particularly useful in gathering information on family businesses in India. Andrea Calabrò, the Global Academic Director of SPGC acknowledges the contribution of SPJIMR, noting their expertise in managing the complexities of heritage and innovation in Indian family businesses. Going forward, SPJIMR aims to strengthen family businesses around the world using the useful insights from this research and promote strategies that ensure sustainable growth and sustainability for future generations..