Would a family meeting or family council be helpful in this situation? Why or wh

Question

Would a family meeting or family council be helpful in this situation? Why or why not?

Power Play at the Inn

Fronting on the Pacific Ocean, the Inn at the Wharf boasts 410 guest rooms and suites, two dining rooms, a lobby bar, and the lively Gull's Nest nightclub. The inn's annual revenues are $15 million.

Robert May, 57, purchased and remodeled the inn in 1970. His wife Katherine, although not now active in the business, had assisted in decorating and menu design. They have three children: Jake, 35; Amy, 30; and Andy, 24.

Three years ago, Jake and his wife Elaine, wanting to settle down from their life as rock musicians and start a family, were welcomed back. Jake manages the Gull's Nest. Elaine, a stabilizing force for Jake, especially during the stress of on-the-road tours, is interested in using her art skills at the inn.

Business degree in hand, Amy took over office management five years ago, including computer operations, for the inn. She and her husband, who is not involved at the inn, have a son. Andy will soon receive his degree in hotel and restaurant management and expects to work at the inn upon graduation.

Today, Robert arrived home looking haggard. Questioning him, Katherine soon discovered that Amy had come into Robert's office and burst into tears. Jake had been through her office with an old buddy who represented a computer company and informed Amy that he was considering purchasing a new computer system for the inn. "And besides that, Dad, I'm pregnant again. Can I handle my job and two children?"

Robert called Jake to his office and inquired about the computer decision. Much to Robert's surprise, Jake pulled out his wallet and presented a new business card: "Jacob May, General Manager, Inn at the Wharf."

Explanation / Answer

Yes a family council will possibly be helpful in this situation.

In this case there was no attempt by Robert May to address the issue of corporate control when his children started taking part in the Inn’s operations and business. Jacob May, being the eldest of Robert’s children, has attempted here to take control over the operations of the inn despite the informal work division at the inn among Robert’s children.

In the family council session the value of the owner (i.e. Robert) should be discussed and emphasized at length. It seems from the case that the three children of Robert are charting their own courses and are not working as a team. In the family council Robert should emphasize the need for all the siblings to work together in a cohesive manner and as a team so as to ensure that their efforts create a synergy and will benefit the inn to by helping it realize its goals and objectives.

The family council and family meeting should discuss the values and principles of doing the business related to the inn and the need to function and work in the future by using the framework of these principles to make the inn a successful venture in future on a sustainable basis.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.