Family Business: Managing The Generational Transition

The Centre for Academic and Professional Support (CAPS), in association with the School of Business & Management – BBA, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus – ‘The Hub of Analytics’, organized an Academic Enrichment and Capacity Building Session titled “Family Business: Managing the Generational Transition” on 5th February 2026 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Auditorium, Management Block. The session was conducted for Third Year BBA students as part of the Academic Year 2025–26.

The session was delivered by distinguished international faculty members: Dr. Michael Graffius, Professor of Business Administration, IU International University – Dual Studies, Berlin, Germany, and Dr. Birgit Felden, Professor of SME and Succession, Department of Business & Economics, Berlin School of Economics and Law. The event was coordinated by Ms. Mansha Sawal, Ms. Nisha Rao, Dr. Shine Raju Kappil, and Dr. Barna Naidu, with the support of two student volunteers. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 200 students.

The lecture provided an in-depth understanding of the structure, characteristics, and significance of family-owned businesses in the global economy. The speakers highlighted how Germany has a strong foundation of successful family enterprises, often referred to as the “Mittelstand,” which form the backbone of the country’s industrial strength. Through the presentation of a historical map of Germany and its comparison with the current industrial map, the faculty illustrated the country’s economic transformation and the central role of family firms in this journey.The session included engaging stories and real-life examples of prominent German family businesses that have been built and sustained across generations. Students gained insights into succession planning and the complexities involved in managing generational transitions. The discussion emphasized the importance of governance mechanisms, structured succession strategies, and professional management practices in ensuring business continuity.

The speakers also addressed common challenges faced by family businesses, including conflicts between family values and business decisions. They highlighted the need to balance emotional ties with professional decision-making. The importance of trust, leadership, innovation, and long-term vision was underscored as critical factors for sustainability and international competitiveness. The session offered a strong research-oriented and global academic perspective, enabling students to appreciate the dynamics of family business management beyond the Indian context.

The feedback received from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many described the session as “very nice,” “good,” “great,” “engaging,” and “informative.” One attendee referred to it as the “Best Session” attended in three years, appreciating the genuine passion and interactive approach of the speakers. Several students expressed interest in having more such international academic sessions in the future, recognizing their value and relevance. Some suggestions for improvement included allocating more time for verbal questions and extending the duration beyond one hour, as students felt the discussion was highly engaging and deserved deeper exploration. 

Overall, the session successfully enriched students’ understanding of family business management and generational transition from a global perspective. It strengthened academic exposure, fostered international learning, and enhanced students’ appreciation of governance, succession planning, and sustainable business practices in family enterprises.