1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« This research project was developed to examine how contemporary research psychology, and in particular theories of self-regulation, could increase understanding of family business succession. » (p. 4)

Questions/Hypothèses :
« In order to develop a manageable, yet meaningfull program of study, the focus of inquiry was narrowed to two broad questions, which were eventually refined into testable empirical research. The first question was: how do the two generations involved in succession (a parent and child) experience the transition of authority and control in the firm? The second question was: could theories of personality develop to explain how people manage challenging encounters and transitions provide insight that might help explain incumbent behavior in the succession process? » (p. 4)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
232 participants from 132 different companies

Instruments :
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« This project involved three studies of Canadian family-owned businesses whose incumbent leader was at, or nearing, retirement age. The first considered the association between indicators of business readiness for succession and levels of control held in the business by the incumbent and successor. [...] Study 2 was a longitudinal follow-up, and found indicators of succession readiness at Time 1 associated with change in the amount of control held by the successor at Time 2. [...] Study 3 considered the role that personality may play in incumbent beliefs and behaviors relating to retirement. [...] Overall, these findings clarify that progress towards succession has little effect on control for incumbent leaders, but theories of control may point to individual differences in self-regulation capacities among these leaders that may have a bearing on family business succession. Implications from these results are discussed. » (pp. iii-iv)