This book describes the sustainable development journey of 15 business families committed to using their enterprises as a force of societal good. In turn, each family reaps benefits of high economic returns, while contributing to society and environment. The youngest family firm is in its 20s, while there are others over 100 years of age. Size, industry, locations vary. But all these business families share a deep shared commitment towards sustainable development, control over strategic decision-making in their firms and trans-generational continuity intentions. Family values embed their enterprises with a strong sense of purpose to achieve their chosen sustainable development goals. Professionalized systems and processes foster the development of capabilities, and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders ensure the simultaneous achievement of social, environmental and profitability goals. Educators, students, policy makers and business families interested in sustainable development will find new understanding of family business through Pioneering Family Firms' Sustainable Development Strategies . 'Based on 15 case studies of innovative business families from North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, Dita and Sanjay Sharma have distilled practical lessons on how to establish and transform family businesses for long-term success in an ever changing business environment where sustainability issues are increasingly important. An excellent contribution to the world of family businesses.'/i> -- Thomas Schmidheiny and Dieter Spälti, Indian School of Business, India 'We tend to celebrate family businesses for their dedication to their values and purpose. However, we cannot just assume that sustainable development strategies are in-built for family enterprises. They require vision and champions to have a real impact. Nothing is more inspiring than to see such strategies in action which is why you will thoroughly enjoy this book and its global case studies. It provides us with a much-needed foundation for this conversation both academically and practically.' -- Ramia El Agamy, Editor-in-Chief of Tharawat Magazine, Host of The Family Business Voice 'This book is a treasure trove of inspiration and wisdom for any family interested in responsible ownership. Its breadth and depth of knowledge is quite extraordinary. Best practice from decades of experience is distilled between its covers.' -- Andrew Wates, Past Chairman, Wates Family Holdings, UK; Inaugural Chair, Polaris Committee, Family Business Network Edited by Pramodita Sharma, Schlesinger-Grossman Endowed Chair in Family Business, Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont and Sanjay Sharma, Dean and Professor of Management, Grossman School of Business, University of Vermont, US