Successful succession: The role of the environment and the succession plan

Abstract

Succession literature remains non-cumulative and disjointed, and studies are only just appearing that offer an overall view of the factors that make the succession process a success. Our study was based on a sample of 230 agribusiness entrepreneurs from the state of Paraná (Brazil). We used a time-lagged design to test the extent to which the succession plan, the family environment, the organizational environment and the economic environment are able to predict succession success. Our results showed that the variable that contributed most to the success of the succession process is one that the firm has the least control over: the economic environment. The findings suggest that in order to guarantee survival family-run enterprises must plan for succession and foster the development of a family and organizational context that encourages new leaders to want to take over the management of the family business.