 |
Perdue Farms –Differing Values in Different Generations
ABSTRACT
The case describes three generations of owners of the Salisbury-based Perdue Farms, a chicken processing family-owned business, and how each generation handled the business in their own style. The almost 95-year-old family business evolved under different leaders over three generations, each transforming and growing the business. The case discusses how a home grown poultry business developed into a world-renowned chicken processing company and highlights their business modus operandi. Under the first and second generations, the business earned a name for itself for its quality products; but the market driven focus of the third generation owner tarnished its reputation. |
|
Issues
The case is structured to achieve the following teaching objectives:
- To discuss the concept of family business, its advantages & disadvantages.
- To analyze the management style across different generations.
- To analyze the importance of succession planning in family business.
- To understand role played by an entrepreneur in setting up a family business, identifying the opportunities and sustaining the growth of the firm.
- To study entrepreneurial orientations/abilities across generations involved in the family business.
Keywords
Perdue Farms, Poultry Business, Family Business, Family Values, Arthur Perdue,Frank Perdue,Jim Perdue,Succession Planning, Family Constitution, Environmental issues, Contract Farmers
