Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Management
Advisor
Theresa M. Neal
Abstract
Family-owned businesses contribute to social and economic advancement, yet many business owners struggle with employing succession planning during intergenerational leadership transitions. Family business leaders are concerned with identifying effective succession planning strategies for the leadership transition to the next generation for business continuity. Grounded in Rothwell’s seven-step model for succession planning, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore succession planning strategies Polish family business leaders used for the leadership transition to the next generation. Three Polish family business leaders who successfully implemented succession planning in their organizations participated in the study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, journal notes, and a review of company documents. Using Yin’s five-step analysis approach, four themes emerged: systematic succession, grooming the successor, communication with non-family stakeholders, and long-term sustainability. A key recommendation is for family business leaders to develop succession plans containing specific milestones, areas for successors’ managerial and technical development, and evaluation criteria to bolster business continuity and growth. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve family business survival, thereby creating continuous job opportunities, supporting community advancement, and enhancing diverse stakeholders’ well-being.
Recommended Citation
Klaczak, Jan Marcin, "Succession Planning Strategies in Polish Family-Owned Businesses" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12147.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12147
