Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions

HBS Home

  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Campaign
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Executive Education
  • Apply / Log-in
  • Program Finder
  • Subscribe
  • FAQs
Executive Education
Programs for IndividualsPrograms for OrganizationsHBS ExperienceFacultyAdmissionsParticipant Stories
  • Programs for Individuals
    Dropdown
    • Comprehensive Leadership Programs
    • Topic-Focused Programs
    • Regional Programs
    • Virtual Programs
    • Certificate of Management Excellence
    • Corporate Director Certificate
  • Programs for Organizations
  • HBS Experience
    Dropdown
    • The Value
    • The Learning Experience
    • The Virtual Experience
    • Alumni Network
    • Admitted? Plan Your Stay
    • Insights
  • Faculty
  • Admissions
    Dropdown
    • Admissions Requirements
    • Admissions Process
    • International Applicants
    • Payment, Cancellation, and Deferral
    • Already Admitted
  • Participant Stories
Executive Education
    Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Insights Right arrow Transforming Family Businesses in Greater China
    ... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Insights Right arrow Transforming Family Businesses in Greater China

    Transforming Family Businesses in Greater China

    To meet the unique needs of family-owned enterprises in China, HBS is launching a new program.
    Transforming Family Businesses in Greater China
    To meet the unique needs of family-owned enterprises in China, HBS is launching a new program.
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Program Finder

    To meet the unique needs of family-owned enterprises in China, HBS Executive Education is launching a new program—Leading and Transforming Family Businesses in China. Program faculty chair William C. Kirby, chairman of the Harvard China Fund and faculty chair of the Harvard Center Shanghai, joined us recently to talk about the launch of this exciting program that takes place over three modules on three continents.

    How will the program's unique modular structure benefit participants?

    We designed this new program to give participants the opportunity to study at three of the world's top universities—Peking University, University of Oxford, and Harvard University. The program is taught in three one-week modules in three different locations, and each module emphasizes certain aspects of the family business challenge. Key program themes are woven throughout the three modules to build on one another so that participants can expand their understanding of best practices.

    You mentioned three program themes. Could you elaborate a bit on those?

    The first module explores the features of a typical family business, the challenges that typically arise, and how successful family firms have addressed those issues. In the second module, we examine how to innovate across borders, both organizational and geographic; bolster the capacity for innovation; and build new market opportunities. The third module ties it all together—designing effective growth strategies, planning leadership succession, and sustaining growth through generational transitions.

    What are the most pressing challenges facing family businesses in Greater China?

    As family businesses in Greater China reach new growth stages, they frequently find that the strategies that initially helped them drive profits and mitigate risk are no longer effective. To sustain success, these leaders must transform their family firms by strengthening governance, increasing innovation, and designing sound growth strategies. This means taking advantage of both local and global opportunities.

    Does the HBS case study play a major role in each module?

    Yes. Through actual case studies of family businesses across the Greater China region and the globe, we explore the best practices of family-run firms—with the focus on strengthening Chinese family businesses. The program faculty has deep family business experience and expertise in the real world, and that's reflected across the comprehensive curriculum in each module. Participants have the rare opportunity to engage with the faculty of three distinguished universities and with fellow family business owners who face the same challenges.

    What takeaways can participants expect to bring back to their family business?

    During the program, participants will expand their ability to build competitive advantage, optimize organizational performance, execute smooth leadership transitions, create a stronger family business—and increase success for their family firm by recognizing its intrinsic advantages. In the process, they'll assess their company's strengths and weaknesses and consider plans for stabilization and growth. They'll leave Module 3 with a personal action plan in hand to help them guide their company into the future.

    What excites you most about the launch of this new program?

    The participants! There is a quality of talent in China that is hard to match anywhere else in the world. Companies and firms that are highly innovative in the Chinese context are beginning to make global marks. Leading and Transforming Family Businesses in China is designed to help family business leaders in China transform their companies so that they can continue to create value and wealth—and prosper for generations to come.

    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Program Finder

    View Frequently Asked Questions

    Subscribe to Our Emails

    Back to Top Arrow up

    ǁ
    Campus Map
    Executive Education
    Harvard Business School
    Soldiers Field
    Boston, MA 02163
    Phone: 1.800.427.5577
    (outside the U.S., dial +1.617.495.6555)
    Email: executive_education+hbs.edu
    →Virtual Tour
    →Map & Directions
    →More Contact Information
    • Make a Gift
    • Site Map
    • Jobs
    • Harvard University
    • Trademarks
    • Policies
    • Digital Accessibility
    Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College