Abstract
In the majority of family business succession cases, the successor is a relative. When problems arise in communication between the predecessor and the successor, the succession does not proceed smoothly. At times, problems might escalate to the point where the candidate for succession leaves the company. Smooth communication is necessary in order to successfully transfer the family business from predecessor to successor. However, there is no prior research that clarifies what kind of communication should be conducted during this process and what to pay special attention to. In this study, we focus on communication between the predecessor and successor of the family business. Through case studies, we clarify the communication mechanism by which necessary elements in the process of business succession are inherited, the points to keep in mind, and the mechanism of the effect of having communication support.
