Taking the helm at the family operation under the watchful eye of the predecessor: Succession in European horticulture and agriculture

Abstract

The present case study investigated the intra family succession process in agricultural and horticultural enterprises from a successor perspective. The study shows educational and relational similarities in different European countries. The study follows a qualitative research approach and aims to provide a detailed picture of succession processes, comparing managers with different areas of specialization. The results show that a successful succession process requires organizational and analytical skills, advanced personal skills and attitudes such as patience, calm, and self-confidence, as well as knowledge-based skills in communication, management, finance, and law on the part of all involved. In the process, successors must cope with relational conflicts such as sibling rivalry or shadows of the previous generation. Open communication, physical distance, role definition and the acknowledgement of their experience by the predecessor and, if necessary, consulting can support addressing these issues. The relationship findings corroborate work-family border theory.