An Examination of the Key Success Factors of Family Business in Succession in Ireland.

Eustace, Melanie (2006) An Examination of the Key Success Factors of Family Business in Succession in Ireland. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Family businesses are the most prevalent form of enterprise throughout the world (Shanker & Astrachan, 1996) and a mainstay of most economies (Benedict, 1968). Family firms tend to be more profitable (Daily & Dollinger, 1992; McConaughy, Mendoza, & Mishra, 1996), have better customer service (Lyman, 1991), and commitment to the community (Dunn, 1996; Post, 1983). Therefore the need to ensure their continuity is of global importance.

This study focuses primarily on succession in the Irish family business context. Central to the study is the need to capture detailed accurate information on the approach Irish family businesses are taking to succession. This was carried out to establish a picture of the current practices of Irish family businesses dealing with succession and to distinguish between proven successful processes and flaws in their current practices / process and areas for concern.

A brief review of literature from family business writers is presented to create the theoretical background necessary to begin the qualitative study. The study is qualitative in nature in order to draw on the individual nuances present in the individual experiences of each family business studied.

Interviews with family business successors yielded some high quality information, which helped give a general idea of the situation within the small to medium sized family business sector here in Ireland. These interviews were expanded upon. The findings were analysed using a 'Grounded Theory' approach. This approach clarified the findings of the interviews and also explained and helped elaborate the information obtained in the interviews.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Management of Change H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Small Business Sector
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	SINEAD CORCORAN
Date Deposited:	20 Jul 2010 12:19
Last Modified:	22 Sep 2014 08:54
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/338

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