The Governance Dilemma: Balancing Autonomy and Unity in Global Families

By Tsitsi Mutendi : Family Governance Advisor 🔹 Multigenerational Wealth Architect 🔹 Legacy Builder

The Tug of the Kite: Finding Balance in the Winds of Change

Imagine a kite soaring high, its string anchored firmly in the hand of its flyer. The kite’s freedom to glide and dance in the wind depends on the balance between control and autonomy. In global families, governance operates in much the same way, requiring a delicate balance between individual independence and collective unity.

The Tanaka family, a multi-generational business empire spanning Japan, the United States, and Europe, faced this challenge head-on. Diverging cultural expectations and generational priorities created tension as younger members sought greater autonomy while elders emphasized unity. By crafting a governance system that respected both perspectives, the Tanakas turned this dilemma into an opportunity for collaboration and growth.

Here are five strategies inspired by families like the Tanakas for balancing autonomy and unity in governance.

1. Embrace Cultural and Generational Diversity

The Tanaka family recognized that each branch of their global enterprise brought unique cultural and generational viewpoints. Instead of suppressing differences, they celebrated them by creating region-specific governance committees, ensuring local voices were heard while maintaining alignment with the family’s overall mission.

“Diversity, when embraced within a governance framework, becomes a family’s greatest strength.” – Dr. Sarah Burns, Chapter 8, Raising the Baobab.

Practical Tip: Establish regional or generational committees to incorporate diverse perspectives into decision-making.

2. Define Roles and Boundaries

Conflicts arose in the Tanaka family when multiple members wanted control over a new business venture. The family council resolved this by assigning clear roles based on expertise and creating decision-making protocols, reducing overlap and competition.

Practical Tip: Use a family constitution to define roles, decision-making authority, and boundaries to avoid misunderstandings.

3. Foster Open Communication

Frequent misunderstandings between the Tanaka elders and younger members stemmed from assumptions rather than dialogue. By implementing regular family forums, they created a safe space for discussing ideas, concerns, and aspirations.

“Governance is not about silencing voices but about creating harmony among them.” – Guillermo Salazar, Chapter 6, Raising the Baobab.

Practical Tip: Hold structured family forums with clear agendas to encourage open and respectful communication.

4. Balance Autonomy with Collective Decision-Making

Younger Tanakas sought greater independence in managing personal ventures, while elders feared it might dilute family unity. The governance council created a framework allowing individual pursuits while requiring alignment with shared values for major decisions.

Practical Tip: Implement a decision matrix that distinguishes personal from collective decisions, ensuring autonomy within shared boundaries.

5. Use Technology to Bridge Gaps

Geographical and generational divides in the Tanaka family were bridged using governance software and virtual meeting tools. These platforms allowed real-time collaboration and access to family resources, ensuring everyone stayed connected.

Practical Tip: Leverage technology to facilitate global communication, ensuring that even remote members feel engaged and included.

Balancing autonomy and unity in global families requires a governance system as flexible and steady as the kite’s string. Families like the Tanakas demonstrate that with open communication, clear roles, and inclusive systems, the winds of change can propel a family to greater heights. To explore more tools and strategies for navigating governance dilemmas, Raising the Baobab offers invaluable insights and inspiring case studies.

Tsitsi Mutendi is a renowned expert in family governance, with a strong focus on African family firms. As the co-founder of African Family Firms Expert, she has dedicated her career to advising and consulting family businesses and family offices. Tsitsi is a skilled facilitator, speaker, and author, known for her insightful contributions to the field. In 2023-24, she served as the President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa. Tsitsi is also the co-founder of Mutendi Montessori, a primary and secondary educational institution, and the founder of DanTs Smart, a technology and software development firm. With over 23 years as an entrepreneur. Tsitsi is a renowned multi-potentialite entrepreneur whose expertise has earned her recognition in leading publications such as Forbes Africa and Arise Africa, and she has been invited to speak on prestigious global stages, including the Athena40 panel. Her work can be found on www.tsitsimutendi.com www.nhakalegacy.com www.africanfamilyfirms.org and her trending podcast for families of wealthy and their advisors https://anchor.fm/enterprisingfamilies. You can Also get her book RAISING THE BAOBAB https://amzn.to/42cpFdL