Family firm research has shown that the cooperative resolution of conflict between the
incumbent entrepreneur and his successor is crucial for the survival of the family firm.
Dispute resolution research suggests that a third party acting as mediator can provide valuable
support to their efforts. Father to Son synthesizes insights from both lines of research to
propose when and how mediation can contribute to the resolution of family firm succession
conflicts. It offers a clear framework to guide family firm members as well as their advisors
through the succession process.
