Complete Family Wealth, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 2Family Enterprise

Affinity

In this chapter, we will share insights on family flourishing and family enterprise. But first what do we mean by family? This is not as simple a question as may seem at first.

One of the principles that we have seen prove itself time and again in our work is that the families who flourish over time understand themselves as families of affinity.¹ A family of affinity does not limit its sense of identity to blood or genetic lineage. It sees itself as linked by a common mission and a sense of “differentness.” It recognizes the paradox that acting altruistically—for the sake of others’ good—is key to the family's own well-being. Families of affinity add members through marriage and partnership; spiritual relationships ...