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Carry the past into the future: the effects of CEO temporal focus on succession planning in family firms

Author

Listed:
  • Feifei Lu

    (Shanghai University
    University of Technology Sydney)

  • Ho Kwong Kwan

    (China Europe International Business School (CEIBS))

  • Bin Ma

    (IE University)

Abstract

In this study, the relationship between CEO temporal focus and family business succession planning is examined and the moderating effects of family interactions and environmental uncertainty are assessed. Based on data from 198 CEOs of family businesses and additional data from 15 semi-structured interviews in China, we find that CEO temporal focus (i.e., past, present, or future focus) is positively associated with succession planning. In addition, family interactions strengthen the relationship between CEO past focus and succession planning and weaken the relationship between CEO future focus and succession planning. Moreover, in uncertain environments, past-focused CEOs are more likely to plan for succession than present-focused CEOs. The theoretical contributions and practical implications of the study are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Feifei Lu & Ho Kwong Kwan & Bin Ma, 2022. "Carry the past into the future: the effects of CEO temporal focus on succession planning in family firms," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 39(2), pages 763-804, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiapa:v:39:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s10490-020-09748-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10490-020-09748-4
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