Research and Awards
In this section we will provide you with a general overview of the institute's accomplishments. Our members have gained significant recognition for their contributions to the field of family business consulting, education and research.
The Family Business Institute is an organization dedicated to providing expert guidance and resources to family-owned businesses.
Ted Rogers School Research Recognition Award
Congratulations to Dr. Francesco Barbera for being selected as a recipient of a 2022-23 Research Recognition Award for his scholarly endeavours to support the established, emerging, and context areas of research in Ted Rogers School (2022 May 1 - 2023 April 30).
Featured publication
Managing Emotional Minefields Within Family Businesses
"Adam looked at the customer standing at the counter in the wine cellar in disbelief. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He found the customer’s comments to be slightly rude. Adam felt anger brewing inside of him and thought to himself, “This is MY family’s business and I should really show this customer who’s the boss here!” Adam, thinking he can do whatever he wants, let his anger out and shouted at the customer to leave his wine cellar. The customer angrily left, and soon Adam heard from his neighbors that word was spreading that members of his family business treat customers poorly. Soon, Adam’s wine business had a negative reputation in the nearby community and lost some of the winery’s loyal customers who simply stopped their regular visits. Adam thought to himself, “Should I have hidden my anger and simply smiled at the customer that day? Would things have been different today for my family’s wine business?" Continue reading synopsis (external link) 
Saleem, A., Barbera, F., Hoffmann, A. & De Jong, S. (2023) The Role of Emotional Labor and Display Latitude in Preserving Socioemotional Wealth in Family Businesses. Journal of Family Business Strategy, 100594. doi.org/10.1016/j.jfbs.2023.100594 (external link)
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Dr. Francesco Barbara was honoured with the 2024 Barbara Hollander Award (external link) – a prestigious award from Family Firm Institute (FFI), named after FFI’s founder and first President. Award recipients are selected for their leadership in promoting the economic and social impact of family businesses, contributions to civic and educational causes as well as active participation in FFI’s educational and organizational activities.
The TRSM team received a third-place award at the 2024 Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition. (From left to right: Frank Barbera, Kieran Gibson, Payten Cervini, University of Vermont Student Rep, Jerry Gao, Jack Scanlon and Janie Goldstein.)
We are excited to announce our collaboration with KPMG Family Office (external link) on an innovative succession research project. This collaboration brings together the FBI's expertise and KPMG's exemplary approach to family business advising. Stay tuned for updates!