Zachary Cohen, Essay Example

Zachary´s dilemma about joining the family business is unique yet resembles some that typically occur in family businesses. The uniqueness lies in the dilemma itself. While Zachary´s concerns are quite valid the business history has been designed to consist of brothers and not children. His addition trying to reconstruction a design, which worked well as Atherton Brothers Clothing Company (A) is somewhat awkward and is not feasible at this time.

It is a typical dilemma in that when children are not included as successors in  a family business there is much tension if they are  subsequently included as workers. At the time when brothers and sisters of one generation link resources to start a business they often forget their offspring in the planning. This is the dilemma Zachary faces at the moment

If I were Zachary at the end of the case, I would take the initiative to start my own business apart from father and his brothers. They have been functioning as a brothers industry. There is vertical mode of succession, but horizontal. As such, there is no future young talent or leadership. Therefore, the best approach is for this brothers business culture to encourage their children to get into their own type of business rather linking with the old firm. Basically if I were Zachary my approach would the later.

In my opinion the health of the business, family and ownership group in the Atherton/Cohen family business system is uncertain. For example, if everyone of the brothers die and no succession plan has been designed for continuance the business dies or the health is seriously compromised. Family members ould then be fighting among each other in making a decision concerning the most suitable successor. Besides, when there are no new ideas the business becomes stagnated.