A Study on Succession Planning, Prospective Successor Selection, Transfer of Idiosyncratic Firm Knowledge in Family Owned Businesses of Hyderabad

Abstract

This study seeks to gain a better understanding of how the succession planning is undertaken in family owned businesses, most preferred qualities in the prospective successor and the transfer of tacit idiosyncratic firm knowledge from one generation to the next generation. The fact that family businesses contribution to the Indian economy is highly significant as well as the fact that most of the family businesses do not survive beyond three generations makes the study important. This study was conducted by distributing a quantitative survey containing numerous close ended questions to the family business owners, potential successors and successors. The survey asked respondents to explain how succession planning takes place in their firm, the most preferred qualities in the prospective successor and the mode of transfer of tacit idiosyncratic firm knowledge from one generation to another. The survey results provided insight into many important factors of succession planning such as the prospective successor being chosen with consensus of the all the family members, the process of succession being well communicated in the business and possessing leadership values is the most preferred quality sought in a successor. Learning by observing is the most preferred mode of transfer of tacit knowledge from one generation to another.