The Case for a Family Code of Conduct
Recent public controversies—from the fallout surrounding Prince Andrew to other high-profile missteps—underscore how the behavior of even one individual can draw unwanted scrutiny to an entire family. For enterprising families, the takeaway is clear: reputational exposure is real, and unspoken expectations are rarely enough to guide behavior across generations.
In her article for familybusiness.org, “Why Enterprising Families Need a Code of Conduct,” Partner Maryann Bell explores why families benefit from articulating these expectations explicitly. Drawing on real-life examples of misconduct and its consequences, she illustrates how ambiguity can leave families vulnerable to misunderstandings and preventable issues.
Maryann argues that a family code of conduct is not about restriction—it’s about clarity. It creates a shared understanding of how family members represent themselves, the business, and one another, whether in professional settings, in public, or online. She also outlines what a comprehensive code of conduct should include and how families can go about creating one, offering a practical starting point for turning values into actionable expectations.
At Wingspan, we have helped families develop these codes as part of their broader governance work, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful they can be in strengthening alignment, accountability, and trust. Maryann’s piece captures why this tool matters—and why more families are choosing to formalize the cultural standards that support their long-term legacy.
Read the full article at FamilyBusiness.org
