Stone Builders for Construction: Thirty Grandchildren, One Business

This case discusses two of the prevalent issues that are commonly faced by many family businesses in the Middle East. Stone Builders is a construction company owned by four brothers. The brothers are the third generation of this family business. The company faces challenges similar to those faced by many other family businesses. Although the field is competitive, this business has made its name and its position in the Egyptian market. However, maintaining this success is not going to be an easy task considering the issues and the challenges that this family business is currently facing. The first issue regards the lack of clear governance for the business. This unclear governance slows the process of production, encourages nepotism, hinders employees’ rights, confuses everyone’s duties, and disrupts fair distinctions of ownership. The second issue is the dilemma of whether the successors should continue working in the family business or pave their own desired way to a whole new business. If they pursue a new path, are they going to find it easier and more secure than the security and familiarity of the family business?