Finally, many company founders are hesitant about asking their children to make the same sacrifices and commitment they have had to make. According to a 1990 National Federation of Independent Business study, only half of the business owners surveyed would encourage their children to go into their business. Long-term goals and objectives are often vague and informal. According to the 1993 Gallup survey, only about half the business owners who say they want an heir to take over the business have actually appointed a successor. As a result, the children are left in a state of limbo, unsure where they fit in.
Children often have reasons of their own for wanting to join the family business.
Others enter the family business out of guilt or a desire not to disappoint their parents. Still, many would rather seek their futures elsewhere.