John A. Davis
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
A faculty member at Harvard Business School since 1996, Professor Davis teaches and researches in the family business, family wealth, and life planning fields. He is faculty chair of Families in Business: From Generation to Generation, Families in Business/China and Crossroads: Discovering the Path Ahead. Professor Davis also teaches in the Owner/President Management and Key Executive programs. Professor Davis has taught two entrepreneurial management courses in the MBA program. Management of the Family Business explores the management, familiy, career and personal issues found in family-owned and managed companies; Building a Business in the Context of a Life addresses entrepreneurship, life planning, and life success. Trained in business management, psychology, and economics, Professor Davis earned his Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1982. He has served on the faculty of the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California, and has lectured on family business management at Stanford University, IMD (Switzerland), INCAE (Costa Rica), Universidad Adolfo Ibanez (Chile), and Universidad de los Andes (Chile). Recognized as one of the world's leading experts and advisors concerning family business and family wealth, Professor Davis consults and speaks globally on the topics of dynastic success, family and business governance, succession, developing the next generation, working with relatives, shareholder relationships, and professionalizing the family business. He is the founder and chairman of Cambridge Advisors to Family Enterprise, an organization that advises family businesses globally.
Professor Davis is co-creator of the Three-Circle Model, with Professor Renato Tagiuri, which is the fundamental paradigm in the family business field. He co-authored Generation to Generation: Life Cycles of the Family Business, a preeminent work in the field. He has published on a wide range of topics pertinent to family companies. Professor Davis is completing books on managing the performance of relatives, family business governance, and successful family business dynasties. He serves on the editorial boards of Family Business Review and the Journal of Family Business Strategy. His theories and observations have been cited by the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Times, The Economist, Fortune, Business Week, Exame, Family Business Magazine, and many other publications. To view video clips of Professor Davis, please click on the appropriate link: The Role of the Family Business in the World Economy Interaction with Other Family Business Members Financial Success Take Away Value
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Chapter
| Family Business
| 2009
On the Goals of Successful Family Companies
John A. Davis and Renato Tagiuri
Providing clear goals for a company and communicating them are among the most powerful means for guiding the behavior of the people in an organization. In this article, we explore the range of objectives or goals of family-owned and -managed companies and identify those most commonly regarded as important by owner-managers. Further, we describe six major empirical dimensions of goals that we derived by factor-analytic procedures. Finally, we suggest how researchers, managers, and consultants can use our work to help owner-managers clarify and communicate their goals.
Keywords: Family Business;
Interpersonal Communication;
Goals and Objectives;
Organizational Culture;
Family Ownership;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Renato Tagiuri. "On the Goals of Successful Family Companies." Chap. 17 in Family Business. Vol. 12, edited by Joseph H. Astrachan, Torsten M. Pieper, and Peter Jaskiewicz.International Library of Critical Writings on Business and Management. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2009.
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Preface
| Family Business in Brazil
| 2007
Preface
John A. Davis
Citation: Davis, John A. "Preface." Preface to Family Business in Brazil., 2007. (In Portuguese.)
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Preface
| The Successful Family Business
| 1998
Preface
J. A. Davis
Citation: Davis, J. A. "Preface." Preface to The Successful Family Business, edited by Scott Friedman. Upstart Publishing Company, 1998.
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Chapter
| Fourteen Steps in Managing an Aging Workforce
| 1988
Using Life Stage Theory to Manage Work Relationships
J. A. Davis and R. Taguiri
Keywords: Employee Relationship Management;
Labor and Management Relations;
Citation: Davis, J. A., and R. Taguiri. "Using Life Stage Theory to Manage Work Relationships." In Fourteen Steps in Managing an Aging Workforce, edited by Helen Dennis. Lexington Books, 1988.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2013
Grupo RBS (A)
John A. Davis and Courtney Collette
Citation: Davis, John A., and Courtney Collette. "Grupo RBS (A)." Harvard Business School Case 813-164, April 2013.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2013
Catherine Gomez and Dentalite
John Davis and Shirley M. Spence
Citation: Davis, John, and Shirley M. Spence. "Catherine Gomez and Dentalite." Harvard Business School Case 813-165, February 2013.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2012
Getting Back to Your Roots: Rose Carpenter's Story
John A. Davis, Janet Kraus and Lisa Strope
Rose Carpenter is a successful entrepreneur who is considering the personal implications of leaving the business she created to pursue her own interests.
Keywords: career planning;
entrepreneurs;
Life planning;
Work-Life Balance;
Entrepreneurship;
Decisions;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
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2012
(Revised from original 2012 version)
Itaú Unibanco (B): The Merger Outcome
Belen Villalonga, John A. Davis and Ricardo Reisen de Pinho
Citation: Villalonga, Belen, John A. Davis, and Ricardo Reisen de Pinho. " Itaú Unibanco (B): The Merger Outcome." Harvard Business School Supplement 212-095, June 2012. (Revised from original April 2012 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2012
(Revised from original 2012 version)
Itaú Unibanco (A): The Merger Process
Belen Villalonga, John A. Davis and Ricardo Reisen de Pinho
Citation: Villalonga, Belen, John A. Davis, and Ricardo Reisen de Pinho. " Itaú Unibanco (A): The Merger Process." Harvard Business School Case 212-094, June 2012. (Revised from original April 2012 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2012
The Agnellis and Fiat: Family Business Governance in a Crisis (A)
John A. Davis, Bernardo Bertoldi and Roberto Quaglia
After the death of Umberto Agnelli in 2004, the Agnelli family, led by John Elkann, needs to decide whether to keep Fiat CEO Giuseppe Morchio. The Fiat Group is in a delicate financial position, and John Elkann, the new family leader, is untested in this role. The stakes of this decision are high for both the family and the family business. The case describes the leadership and governance of the Fiat Group and raises questions on who should be involved in such decisions.
Keywords: Family Business;
Family Ownership;
Management Teams;
Leadership;
Corporate Governance;
Crisis Management;
Auto Industry;
Manufacturing Industry;
Italy;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2012
Clarks at a Crossroads (A)
John A. Davis and Suzanne Stroh
Citation: Davis, John A., and Suzanne Stroh. "Clarks at a Crossroads (A)." Harvard Business School Case 812-113, March 2012.
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2012
Clarks at a Crossroads (B)
John A. Davis and Suzanne Stroh
Keywords: Apparel and Accessories Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Suzanne Stroh. "Clarks at a Crossroads (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 812-114, March 2012.
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2012
Clarks at a Crossroads (C)
John A. Davis and Suzanne Stroh
Keywords: Apparel and Accessories Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Suzanne Stroh. "Clarks at a Crossroads (C)." Harvard Business School Supplement 812-115, March 2012.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2011
The Wen Group
John A. Davis and Matthew G. Pillar
Three brothers that own and lead a second-generation family business in Hong Kong, encounter problems of nepotism and governance, and endure considerable conflict. The case asks how to resolve these family and business issues.
Keywords: Family Business;
Performance Effectiveness;
Crisis Management;
Business or Company Management;
Conflict Management;
Corporate Governance;
Leadership Development;
Hong Kong;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Matthew G. Pillar. " The Wen Group." Harvard Business School Case 812-034, September 2011.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2009
An Entrepreneur's Journey: Simi Nwogugu
John A. Davis and Shirley Spence
This multimedia case follows Simi Nwogugu's life from childhood in Lagos, Nigeria to Mount Holyoke and Wall Street, back to Lagos to found a chapter of Junior Achievement, through marriage and HBS to motherhood and disenchantment with opportunities for mothers in the corporate world, to the founding and building of a business called 2Hats to address that issue. Her latest personal and business challenge, in September 2008, is an upcoming move back to Nigeria with her two young sons to accommodate her husband's career change. The case contains 32 videos with a total running time of 68 minutes and has a feature for printing screen text as desired. It is organized into seven chapters each consisting of a brief text introduction, video clips, exhibits (selectively) and discussion questions.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship;
Corporate Entrepreneurship;
Work-Life Balance;
Customization and Personalization;
Business Ventures;
Nigeria;
United States;
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2009
An Entrepreneur's Journey: Simi Nwogugu (TN)
John A. Davis and Shirley Spence
Teaching Note for 810701.
Keywords: Nigeria;
United States;
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2009
An Entrepreneur's Journey: Simi Nwogugu (HBS Intranet version) (TN)
John A. Davis and Shirley Spence
Citation: Davis, John A., and Shirley Spence. "An Entrepreneur's Journey: Simi Nwogugu (HBS Intranet version) (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 810-070, November 2009.
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2009
(Revised from original 2009 version)
Adult Life Stages
John A. Davis
This note describes basic concepts of adult life stage theory and summarizes Daniel Levinson's research findings on the adult development of men and women.
Keywords: Transition;
Gender Characteristics;
Organizational Culture;
Personal Development and Career;
Behavior;
Motivation and Incentives;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Adult Life Stages." Harvard Business School Background Note 809-097, November 2009. (Revised from original January 2009 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2009
Wolf Elmore Brewer, Inc.
John A. Davis
This case describes how Alex Wolf, the founder of a small architecture and urban planning firm based in Portland, Oregon, decides to offer partnership to two trusted colleagues, and then how strains develop in their relationship. It asks what can be done to improve these work relationships and if these three individuals can be successful partners.
Keywords: Business Startups;
Interpersonal Communication;
Entrepreneurship;
Partners and Partnerships;
Conflict Management;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2008
Mike Corbin: Closing the Corbin-Pacific Case - video
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
An interview with Mike Corbin wrapping up the Corbin-Pacific case.
Keywords: Manufacturing Industry;
Motorcycle Industry;
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Case
| 2008
Mike Corbin: Closing the Corbin-Pacific Case
John A. Davis and Courtney Collette
An interview with Mike Corbin wrapping up the Corbin-Pacific case.
Keywords: Cases;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Courtney Collette. "Mike Corbin: Closing the Corbin-Pacific Case." Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing Case, 2008. Video.
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Module Note
|
2007
(Revised from original 2007 version)
Negotiating Effectively in Family Business Systems
Deepak Malhotra and John A. Davis
Explores how families in business can apply five principles of negotiation that are used effectively by non-family members. The distinctive characteristics of family relationships and of family business systems--which affect the use of these principles--are described.
Keywords: Family Business;
Negotiation;
Family Ownership;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2007 version)
Compensating Family Employees in a Family Business
John A. Davis
Explores the core issues involved in compensating family employees in a family business. Explains family interests and other factors that shape family employee compensation practices. Distinguishes between achieving effective compensation practices, which help to achieve the business's key success factors and other important interests, and strictly adhering to "professional" compensation principles, which are useful standards to try to follow but they may not meet important personal and family interests or be politically feasible. Concludes with several recommendations to guide family employee compensation practices.
Keywords: Family Business;
Employees;
Compensation and Benefits;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
Kohl Industries
John A. Davis
Describes a compensation dilemma with a father and his three children, who work in different businesses under the family holding companies. The father, James Cole, must set compensation that meets the needs of the family and the business.
Keywords: Business Subsidiaries;
Family Business;
Compensation and Benefits;
Family and Family Relationships;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Kohl Industries." Harvard Business School Case 808-078, September 2007.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2006 version)
Bentington Industries
David Ager and John A. Davis
Describes the situation facing Paul Bentington, the president, CEO, and member of the owning family of BIND, PLC, a large and successful family-owned engineering consulting firm in London. Bentington's sister and brother, both of whom are owners of the firm, confront him regarding family participation both in the governance and management of the firm. Third- and fourth-generation members of the family represent a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, which Bentington's siblings believe would benefit the firm. Yet Bentington has misgivings about whether it is appropriate for his siblings, their spouses, and their children to serve in any leadership role at the family company.
Keywords: Family Business;
Diversity Characteristics;
Leadership;
Business or Company Management;
Management Succession;
Conflict and Resolution;
London;
Citation: Ager, David, and John A. Davis. " Bentington Industries." Harvard Business School Case 806-115, September 2007. (Revised from original January 2006 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2004 version)
Mitchell Family and Mitchells/Richards, The
Amy C. Edmondson, John A. Davis, Corey B. Hajim and Kelly Mulderry
Describes a small, luxury retail chain's operational sophistication achieved through the use of technology and "high-touch" customer service. A family-run business, Mitchells has built its success with a customer service strategy known internally as "hugging." The term is deceptively simple. The firm's true success lies in its blend of a warm, other-oriented corporate culture, sophisticated information technology, and an effective family business structure. It is currently considering further expansion for future generations. A rewritten version of an earlier case.
Keywords: Family Business;
Customer Relationship Management;
Knowledge Management;
Service Delivery;
Organizational Culture;
Expansion;
Information Technology;
Retail Industry;
Citation: Edmondson, Amy C., John A. Davis, Corey B. Hajim, and Kelly Mulderry. " Mitchell Family and Mitchells/Richards, The." Harvard Business School Case 605-047, September 2007. (Revised from original November 2004 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2007
(Revised from original 1997 version)
Trinity Crystal
John A. Davis
The dynamics of a work relationship between an entrepreneurial mother and her daughter are explored.
Keywords: Family Business;
Interpersonal Communication;
Entrepreneurship;
Family and Family Relationships;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Trinity Crystal." Harvard Business School Case 898-066, September 2007. (Revised from original October 1997 version.)
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2004 version)
Business Family Dynamics
John A. Davis
Reprinted from John Davis.
Keywords: Family Business;
Entrepreneurship;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Business Family Dynamics." Harvard Business School Background Note 898-058, September 2007. (Revised from original October 1997 version.)
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Exercise
|
2007
Values Concerning Inheritance Worksheet
John A. Davis
Outlines several questions that address core issues in planning for inheritance. Appropriate for all families, no matter what assets they have to pass to heirs.
Keywords: Assets;
Management Succession;
Family Business;
Family and Family Relationships;
Planning;
Value;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
Assessing and Enhancing Individual Power in the Family Business System
John A. Davis
Describes how to asses and enhance an individual's bases, sources, and levels of power in a family business system. Relies on Franch and Raven's framework that identifies five bases of social power (reward, coercive, legitimate, referent, and expert), describing how these bases change depending on the circumstances of a relationship. Also describes how an individual's roles, resources, and relationships in and out of a family business system provide the sources of these bases of power. Discusses the connection between power and dependency in a relationship. Finally, discusses how to enhance individual power in a relationship.
Keywords: Family Business;
Family and Family Relationships;
Situation or Environment;
Power and Influence;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2006 version)
Governance of the Business Family
John A. Davis
Explains the purposes, processes, standards, plans, and agreements that together help to govern (or steer) a family that owns a family business.
Keywords: Family Business;
Corporate Governance;
Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms;
Family Ownership;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2006 version)
Fundamentals of Family Business System Governance
John A. Davis
Reviews the purposes and ingredients in the governance (or steering) of a family business system. Explores at a high level the governance of the family business, its owners, and the family. Focuses on how these governance structures, processes, plans, and agreements interact.
Keywords: Family Business;
Corporate Governance;
Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms;
Family Ownership;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2006 version)
Governance of the Family Business
John A. Davis
Reviews the ways to achieve governance of the family business. Points out the importance of plans (e.g., strategic plans), statements (e.g., mission statements), policies, rules, and agreements to the governance process. Discusses the roles of three structures in family business governance: the top management team, the family employee council, and the board of directors.
Keywords: Family Business;
Corporate Governance;
Governing and Advisory Boards;
Management Teams;
Mission and Purpose;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2006 version)
Governance of the Family Business Owners
John A. Davis
Reviews the principal ways in which the owners of a family business achieve their governance objectives of a suitable identity and sensible direction and the discipline to achieve these. Covers the responsibilities and rights of owners, plus governance procedures, plans, policies, statements, rules, agreements, and structure.
Keywords: Family Business;
Corporate Governance;
Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms;
Goals and Objectives;
Family Ownership;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 1999 version)
Preparing Family Business Cases
John A. Davis
Advises students on how to prepare and discuss a family business case.
Keywords: Family Business;
Business Education;
Cases;
Family Ownership;
Research;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Preparing Family Business Cases." Harvard Business School Background Note 800-021, July 2007. (Revised from original July 1999 version.)
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Introduction to Management of the Family Business
John A. Davis
Provides an overview to the content and structure of the Management of the Family Business course.
Keywords: Family Ownership;
Business or Company Management;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2004 version)
George Barker
John A. Davis
George Barker, the 40-year-old CEO of his family's commercial real estate design and development firm, must deal with the unsatisfactory performance of his brother Peter, who is also in the business. Although Peter's performance is upsetting to George, George feels that it will be difficult to navigate the family ownership and other business factors to deal with the problem.
Keywords: Family Business;
Leadership Style;
Business or Company Management;
Performance Evaluation;
Problems and Challenges;
Family and Family Relationships;
Real Estate Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A. " George Barker." Harvard Business School Case 804-094, May 2007. (Revised from original February 2004 version.)
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
Stevenson Industries (A)(TN)
John A. Davis
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2007 version)
Joseph Pulitzer
John A. Davis and Matthew G. Pillar
Biography of publisher and philanthropist Joseph Pulitzer.
Keywords: Biography;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Matthew G. Pillar. " Joseph Pulitzer." Harvard Business School Case 807-072, March 2007. (Revised from original February 2007 version.)
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Negotiating Your Entry into Your Family Business
John A. Davis
Provides guidance to junior generation members of a business family concerning negotiating their entry into their family's business.
Keywords: Family Business;
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Exercise
|
2007
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Family Business System Action Planning Worksheet
John A. Davis
Assist in thinking critically about facilitators and inhibitors to goals and preparing for change in a family business system.
Keywords: Family Business;
Change Management;
Goals and Objectives;
Organizational Change and Adaptation;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Principles of Family Business System Change
John A. Davis
Identifies several practical principles to keep in mind when changing a family business system.
Keywords: Family Business;
Change Management;
Organizational Change and Adaptation;
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
J. Perez Foods (TN) (A), (B) and (C)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Keywords: Food and Beverage Industry;
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2007
(Revised from original 2002 version)
Corbin Motors (TN)
Dwight B. Crane and John A. Davis
Teaching Note for (9-800-023).
Citation: Crane, Dwight B., and John A. Davis. " Corbin Motors (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 803-007, January 2007. (Revised from original July 2002 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
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2006
(Revised from original 2000 version)
Atherton Clothing Company (A)
John A. Davis and Andrew Z. Tubman
Zachary Cohen, who will graduate soon from business school, wants to enter his family's business under certain conditions--he wants shares in the company and wants to change a buy-sell agreement. His father and his uncle seem to want to explore his entering the family business, but do not respond to his proposal.
Keywords: Family Ownership;
Family Business;
Management Teams;
Contracts;
Apparel and Accessories Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Andrew Z. Tubman. " Atherton Clothing Company (A)." Harvard Business School Case 801-101, October 2006. (Revised from original September 2000 version.)
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Stevenson Industries (C)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Supplements the (A) case.
Citation: Davis, John A., and Courtney Sampson. " Stevenson Industries (C)." Harvard Business School Supplement 806-032, October 2006. (Revised from original July 2005 version.)
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Stevenson Industries (B)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Supplements the (A) case. A rewritten version of an earlier case.
Citation: Davis, John A., and Courtney Sampson. " Stevenson Industries (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 806-031, October 2006. (Revised from original July 2005 version.)
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Khalil Abdo Group (TN)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Teaching Note to (9-898-011).
Keywords: Family Ownership;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Courtney Sampson. " Khalil Abdo Group (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 805-108, October 2006. (Revised from original February 2005 version.)
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
Precista Tools AG (TN) (A), (B), and (C)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Teaching Note to (488-046), (488-047), and (488-048).
Keywords: Family Ownership;
Conflict and Resolution;
Governing and Advisory Boards;
Race Characteristics;
Management Succession;
Resignation and Termination;
Switzerland;
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
The Pellegrins (TN) (A) and (B)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Teaching Note to (899-009) and (899-010).
Keywords: Publishing Industry;
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
Trinity Crystal (TN)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Teaching Note to (898-066).
Keywords: Family and Family Relationships;
Family Ownership;
Entrepreneurship;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Courtney Sampson. " Trinity Crystal (TN)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 807-052, September 2006.
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
Matthew A. Hunter and Matthew B. Hunter (TN)
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Teaching Note to (806-203) and (806-204).
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
Matthew B. Hunter
John A. Davis and Deepak Malhotra
Matthew Hunter, CEO of a second-generation family business, must manage the performance of a key manager in his company. Looks at the impact of family relationships on performance management.
Keywords: Family Business;
Performance Evaluation;
Crisis Management;
Business or Company Management;
Conflict Management;
Corporate Governance;
Family and Family Relationships;
Partners and Partnerships;
Negotiation Process;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Deepak Malhotra. " Matthew B. Hunter." Harvard Business School Case 806-204, June 2006.
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Exercise
|
2006
Matthew A. Hunter
John A. Davis and Deepak Malhotra
Matthew Hunter, CEO of a second-generation family business, must manage the performance of a key manager in his company. Looks at the impact of family relationships on performance management.
Keywords: Family and Family Relationships;
Conflict Management;
Negotiation;
Family Business;
Performance;
Managerial Roles;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Deepak Malhotra. " Matthew A. Hunter." Harvard Business School Exercise 806-203, June 2006.
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Reminders for Owner-Managers Regarding the Board of Directors of Private Companies
John A. Davis
Presents a consolidated list of corporate governance best practices for owner-managers of private companies, including family businesses.
Keywords: Governing and Advisory Boards;
Family Business;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2006
Jonathan Pellegrin: Closing The Pellegrins Case, Video
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Jonathan Pellegrin describes what happened after the events described in The Pellegrins (A) case and comments on lessons learned from this experience.
Keywords: Management Succession;
Family Business;
Leadership;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
Family Governance at the Cousin Consortium Stage: The Port Blakely Companies and the Eddy Family--Supplement
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Supplements to 9-805-160 and 9-805-161.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Family Governance at the Cousin Consortium Stage (VHS)
Courtney Sampson and John A. Davis
Keywords: Governance;
Family Business;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
Family Governance at the Cousin Consortium Stage
John A. Davis and Courtney Sampson
Explains the governance system for the Eddy family, who own the Port Blakely Companies. Provides the viewer with an inside look at the running of the family council and family assembly meetings. Also provides a brief history and overview of the forestry and real estate development businesses.
Keywords: Conferences;
Corporate Entrepreneurship;
Corporate Governance;
Business History;
Business or Company Management;
Family Ownership;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
(Revised from original 2001 version)
Stevenson Industries (A)
John A. Davis and Kacie LaChapelle
Simon Carlson, chairman of the board of his family's fourth-generation industrial company, must decide how to deal with his conflict with the company's nonfamily CEO. Hired by the board just 15 months earlier to pursue growth more aggressively, CEO Paul Steel has upset Carlson and several managers with his management approach with the very strained relationship between the chairman and CEO. The board must decide how it will deal with Steel and Carlson.
Keywords: Family Business;
Management Succession;
Management Style;
Governing and Advisory Boards;
Management Teams;
Rank and Position;
Organizational Culture;
Decision Making;
Manufacturing Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Kacie LaChapelle. " Stevenson Industries (A)." Harvard Business School Case 802-086, June 2005. (Revised from original September 2001 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
(Revised from original 2004 version)
Hancock Land Company and Hancock Lumber Company (A)
John A. Davis, Dwight B. Crane and Kelly M. Mulderry
After inheriting the leadership of their family's land and lumber companies, Matt and Kevin Hancock struggled with how to revise their internally focused governance system.
Keywords: Family Business;
Governance;
Leadership Style;
Growth Management;
Organizational Change and Adaptation;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Hancock Land Company and Hancock Lumber Company (B)
John A. Davis and Dwight B. Crane
Supplements the (A) case.
Keywords: Forest Products Industry;
Real Estate Industry;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
(Revised from original 2005 version)
Hancock Land Company and Hancock Lumber Company (C)
John A. Davis, Dwight B. Crane and Kelly M. Mulderry
Supplements the (A) case.
Keywords: Forest Products Industry;
Real Estate Industry;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
Hancock Land Company and Hancock Lumber Company (VHS Video)
John A. Davis, Dwight B. Crane and Jay W. Lorsch
Keywords: Forest Products Industry;
Real Estate Industry;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
Hancock Land Company and Hancock Lumber Company (DVD)
John A. Davis, Dwight B. Crane, Kelly Mulderry and Jay W. Lorsch
Keywords: Forest Products Industry;
Real Estate Industry;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2005
(Revised from original 1998 version)
Anderson Steel Service, Inc.
John A. Davis
Explores the management of family and business issues and helps to identify a range of topics with which families in business wrestle. Describes a dilemma faced by sixty-eight-year-old Charles Anderson, the semi-retired founder of the company and the father of three sons who work with him. Charles's youngest son, Peter, who recently joined the company, is proposing that the company do long-term planning and is suggesting ideas that he believes will improve the company's customer service. His brothers have routinely turned down Peter's proposals, and tension among the three brothers is growing. Charles wants to resolve the growing tension among his sons.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship;
Family Business;
Problems and Challenges;
Business or Company Management;
Family and Family Relationships;
Strategy;
Steel Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Anderson Steel Service, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 899-011, May 2005. (Revised from original July 1998 version.)
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Exercise
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2004
(Revised from original 2004 version)
Succession Planning Worksheet
John A. Davis
Copyrighted by John Davis.
Keywords: Management Succession;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Succession Planning Worksheet." Harvard Business School Exercise 899-023, November 2004. (Revised from original July 1998 version.)
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2004
(Revised from original 2004 version)
Relationships Among Siblings and Cousins in a Family Firm
John A. Davis
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Exercise
|
2004
(Revised from original 2004 version)
Family Business Ownership Goals Worksheet
John A. Davis
Family members who either own a business or who could inherit ownership in a business are helped to clarify how they would like to have the business owned in the future.
Keywords: Family Business;
Family Ownership;
Decision Making;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2004
(Revised from original 1998 version)
The Pellegrins (A)
John A. Davis
A father and son working together in their family-owned publishing company are at a decision point because the son feels he is ready to become president at the age of 31.
Citation: Davis, John A. " The Pellegrins (A)." Harvard Business School Case 899-009, February 2004. (Revised from original July 1998 version.)
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2003
(Revised from original 2003 version)
J. Perez Foods (C)
John A. Davis and Kacie LaChapelle
Supplements the (A) case.
Keywords: Food and Beverage Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Kacie LaChapelle. " J. Perez Foods (C)." Harvard Business School Supplement 803-163, November 2003. (Revised from original February 2003 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2003
(Revised from original 2003 version)
Raiser Organization, The
John A. Davis and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld
Jennifer and Philip Raiser, a sibling partnership who inherited a real estate management and ownership company from their father, ponder the strategic and financial challenges facing their family business. Reviews the history of the business and asks what the best strategic direction is for the business. Considers implications for the business and family and what role tradition should play.
Citation: Davis, John A., and Alison Berkley Wagonfeld. " Raiser Organization, The." Harvard Business School Case 804-028, November 2003. (Revised from original September 2003 version.)
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2002
Anderson Steel Service, Inc., TN
John A. Davis
Teaching Note for (9-899-011).
Keywords: Steel Industry;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2001
(Revised from original 2001 version)
Blethen Family and the Seattle Times Company (A), The
John A. Davis and Cathy Quinn
Frank Blethen, the fourth-generation publisher of The Seattle Times, ponders the challenges facing this family business. This case reviews the long history of this business and family and asks whether family ownership and management are in the interests of both the company and family.
Keywords: History;
Management;
Business or Company Management;
Family Business;
Family and Family Relationships;
Family Ownership;
Problems and Challenges;
Journalism and News Industry;
Media and Broadcasting Industry;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2001
Blethen Family and the Seattle Times Company (B), The
John A. Davis and Cathy Quinn
Supplements the (A) case.
Keywords: Corporate Governance;
Entrepreneurship;
Family Business;
Journalism and News Industry;
Media and Broadcasting Industry;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2001
(Revised from original 1999 version)
Corbin-Pacific
John A. Davis and Christina L. Darwall
Reviews the history of Mike Corbin's entrepreneurial career and describes in detail the successful organization he has created. Explores his management philosophy and leadership. Explores the usefulness of continuing family involvement in this business.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship;
Leadership Style;
Business or Company Management;
Management Practices and Processes;
Management Teams;
Success;
Family Ownership;
Business Strategy;
Manufacturing Industry;
Motorcycle Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Christina L. Darwall. " Corbin-Pacific." Harvard Business School Case 800-022, October 2001. (Revised from original July 1999 version.)
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2001
(Revised from original 2001 version)
Definitions and Typologies of the Family Business
John A. Davis
Introduces students to the wide variety of family business definitions in literature today. Also reviews prominent typologies of family business systems.
Keywords: Family Business;
Body of Literature;
System;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2001
(Revised from original 2000 version)
J. Perez Foods (A)
John A. Davis and Kacie LaChapelle
Examines the tensions that occur in family shareholder groups and how to prepare for them and manage them.
Keywords: Family Business;
Entrepreneurship;
Business or Company Management;
Management Practices and Processes;
Family Ownership;
Problems and Challenges;
Business and Shareholder Relations;
Family and Family Relationships;
Strategy;
Food and Beverage Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Kacie LaChapelle. " J. Perez Foods (A)." Harvard Business School Case 801-147, March 2001. (Revised from original November 2000 version.)
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2001
(Revised from original 1999 version)
Organization Design of Owner-Managed Companies, The
John A. Davis
Provides a concise overview of the key considerations and components of an organization's design. Examines how an organization's design must fit with both owners' goals and the organization's key success factors. Identifies several key aspects of an organization's design.
Keywords: Organizational Design;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2001
Responsibilities & Rights of Family Shareholders of a Family Business
John A. Davis
Describes the major responsibilities and rights of family shareholders of a family owned business.
Keywords: Family Business;
Rights;
Business and Shareholder Relations;
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
2000
J. Perez Foods (B)
John A. Davis and Kacie LaChapelle
Supplements the (A) case.
Keywords: Food and Beverage Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Kacie LaChapelle. " J. Perez Foods (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 801-148, November 2000.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2000
Atherton Clothing Company (B)
John A. Davis and Andrew Z. Tubman
Supplements the (A) case.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship;
Apparel and Accessories Industry;
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Teaching Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
2000
U.S. Gas Transportation, Inc. TN
John A. Davis and Sharon Peyus
Teaching Note for (9-800-049).
Keywords: Transportation Industry;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2000
(Revised from original 2000 version)
Spec's Music (A)
John A. Davis and Susan Harmeling
Presents the story of a music retailer in Miami which started in the late 1940s, grew throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and went public in 1985 before experiencing a deep industry crisis in the mid-1990s. At issue in 1996 is whether the company should attempt to sell again after an aborted sale attempt two years earlier. Should the owners try again to sell before the industry economics become so unattractive as to make a future sale impossible? Or should they hold out, try to improve performance, and then try to sell in a couple more years? This question is asked against the backdrop of a strong history as a family-owned company. Martin Spector, the company's founder, has turned the company over to his daughters, Ann (CEO) and Roz (COO), who still defer to him on major decisions. In the context of the important decision of whether to sell the company, the family dynamics take center stage.
Keywords: History;
Family Business;
Business Exit or Shutdown;
Decision Choices and Conditions;
Management Succession;
Entrepreneurship;
Crisis Management;
Performance Improvement;
Music Industry;
Miami;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Susan Harmeling. " Spec's Music (A)." Harvard Business School Case 800-336, May 2000. (Revised from original March 2000 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2000
(Revised from original 2000 version)
U.S. Gas Transportation, Inc.
John A. Davis, Myra M. Hart and Sharon Peyus
Presents a career dilemma for a husband/wife owner-manager team. Nanci and Len Mackenzie have received an offer for their highly successful entrepreneurial business, U.S. Gas Transportation, Inc. The Mackenzies are concerned about what the sale might do to their company's culture, the careers of their loyal employees, and their own lifestyle.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship;
Family Ownership;
Family Business;
Personal Development and Career;
Organizational Culture;
Employees;
Business Exit or Shutdown;
Planning;
Transportation Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A., Myra M. Hart, and Sharon Peyus. " U.S. Gas Transportation, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 800-049, May 2000. (Revised from original March 2000 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
2000
Spec's Music (B)
John A. Davis and Susan Harmeling
Explores the reasoning behind the final decision to sell and the decision-making process that leads to the final question of "if so, to whom?" Four of the bidders are music retailers and the fifth is a Tampa entrepreneur.
Keywords: Decision Making;
Decision Choices and Conditions;
Entrepreneurship;
Bids and Bidding;
Citation: Davis, John A., and Susan Harmeling. " Spec's Music (B)." Harvard Business School Case 800-337, March 2000.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
1999
Corbin Motors
John A. Davis
Explores the raising of capital to finance the growth of a spinoff business from Corbin-Pacific, a leader in motorcycle accessories. Also explores whether the culture of Corbin-Pacific can be infused in this new but very different kind of business. Finally, it asks the question of the appropriateness of continuing family control of this company.
Keywords: Family Business;
Capital;
Governance Controls;
Organizational Culture;
Problems and Challenges;
Citation: Davis, John A. " Corbin Motors." Harvard Business School Case 800-023, July 1999.
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
1999
Management Development Plan In A Family Business, The
John A. Davis
Defines management development objectives for family members employed in their family business. Outlines a process of putting these individuals on a career path to provide them with needed developmental experiences while respecting the broader needs of the organization.
Keywords: Family Business;
Goals and Objectives;
Management Practices and Processes;
Organizations;
Leadership Development;
Experience and Expertise;
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
1999
(Revised from original 1998 version)
Spyder Active Sports, Inc. and CHB Capital Partners (A)
John A. Davis, Louis B. Barnes and Peter K. Botticelli
After establishing a small but profitable skiwear business, an entrepreneur decides to sell a minority stake in the firm to outside investors. His goal is to acquire the capital needed to grow the business, even though this will entail a substantial transformation of the firm's management and financial structure. This case examines the resulting private equity transaction from both the company's point of view and that of outside investment.
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
1999
(Revised from original 1998 version)
Spyder Active Sports, Inc. and CHB Capital Partners (B)
John A. Davis, Louis B. Barnes and Peter K. Botticelli
Supplements the (A) case.
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
1998
(Revised from original 1998 version)
The Pellegrins (B)
John A. Davis
Supplements the (A) case.
Keywords: Publishing Industry;
Citation: Davis, John A. " The Pellegrins (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 899-010, November 1998. (Revised from original July 1998 version.)
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Supplement
| HBS Case Collection
|
1997
Washington Post Company,The: Conversation Between Katharine and Don Graham (Video)
Louis B. Barnes and John A. Davis
Presents a conversation between a mother and son about such issues as family business, going public, the son coming into the business, and succession.
Keywords: Business Startups;
Family Business;
Interpersonal Communication;
Management Succession;
Going Public;
Family and Family Relationships;
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Background Note
| HBS Case Collection
|
1997
(Revised from original 2004 version)
Performance Evaluation of Family Members
John A. Davis
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
1986
(Revised from original version)
PDI
Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld and John A. Davis
Citation: Sonnenfeld, Jeffrey A., and John A. Davis. " PDI." Harvard Business School Case 482-004, March 1986. (Revised from original August 1981 version.)
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Case
| HBS Case Collection
|
1981
Wolf Bohan Brewer, Inc.
John A. Davis and Renato Tagiuri
Citation: Davis, John A., and Renato Tagiuri. " Wolf Bohan Brewer, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 482-014, August 1981.
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Conference Presentation
|
18
Nov
2011
The Role of the University in the Development of the Family Business Field
John A. Davis
Keywords: Family Business;
Higher Education;
Growth and Development;
Citation: Davis, John A. "The Role of the University in the Development of the Family Business Field." Paper presented at the Business Families Foundation Symposium, Las Vegas, NV, November 18, 2011.
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Conference Presentation
|
22
Oct
2011
Principles and Practices of Long-Term Family Success
John A. Davis
Keywords: Family and Family Relationships;
Success;
Citation: Davis, John A. "Principles and Practices of Long-Term Family Success." Paper presented at the Owners Forum, International Institute for Family Enterprises (IIFE), Muscat, Oman, October 22, 2011.
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Conference Presentation
|
13
Oct
2011
Family Enterprises: Beyond the Three Circles
John A. Davis, A. Kinkade and J. Richardson
Keywords: Family Business;
Citation: Davis, John A., A. Kinkade, and J. Richardson. "Family Enterprises: Beyond the Three Circles." Paper presented at the Family Firm Institute Annual Conference, Boston, MA, October 13, 2011.
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Conference Presentation
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24
May
2006
Lessons from Successful Family Business Dynasties
John A. Davis
Keywords: Family Business;
Success;
Citation: Davis, John A. "Lessons from Successful Family Business Dynasties." Paper presented at the Family Business Network Conference, Family Business Network Annual Congress Series, Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 24, 2006.
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Conference Presentation
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24
Sep
2003
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27
Sep
2003
Leadership in Family Business
J. A. Davis
Keywords: Leadership;
Family Business;
Citation: Davis, J. A. "Leadership in Family Business." Paper presented at the Family Business Network Conference, Family Business Network Annual Congress Series, September 24–27, 2003.
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Conference Presentation
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16
Jun
1998
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19
Jun
1998
Families in Business
J. A. Davis
Keywords: Family Business;
Citation: Davis, J. A. "Families in Business." In Harvard Business School 1998 Global Alumni Conference. Paper presented at the Harvard Business School Global Alumni Conference, 2000+ Global Innovation & Entrepreneurial Leadership Series, Chicago, IL, June 16–19, 1998.
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Conference Presentation
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19
Oct
1997
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20
Oct
1997
Challenges Facing Family Companies in the Gulf Region
J. A. Davis, E. Pitts and K. Cormier
Keywords: Family Business;
Local Range;
Problems and Challenges;
Mexico, Gulf of;
Citation: Davis, J. A., E. Pitts, and K. Cormier. "Challenges Facing Family Companies in the Gulf Region." In Challenges Facing Family Companies. Paper presented at the Conference on Middle East Economic Development and the Role of the Private Sector, Doha, Qatar, October 19–20, 1997.
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Conference Presentation
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20
Mar
1997
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21
Mar
1997
Combining Research and Practice: Ideas from the Trenches and the Ivory Tower
J. A. Davis
Keywords: Research;
Practice;
Higher Education;
Citation: Davis, J. A. "Combining Research and Practice: Ideas from the Trenches and the Ivory Tower." Paper presented at the Family Business Educators Conference, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, March 20–21, 1997.
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Conference Presentation
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01
Jan
1981
Concepts and Personal Introspection: Which Should We Stress in Teaching OB?
John A. Davis
Keywords: Theory;
Teaching;
Citation: Davis, John A. "Concepts and Personal Introspection: Which Should We Stress in Teaching OB?" Paper presented at the Organizational Behavior Teaching Conference, January 01, 1981.
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