To Nurture or Groom? The Parent–Founder Succession Dilemma

Abstract

Family business and human resource management scholars suggest that firms whose leaders experience affective commitment are more likely to achieve their goals. Building on self–determination theory, we propose a model in which parent–founders promote affective commitment in child–successors by supporting their psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness within the family business. We conclude by exploring the ethical implications of different parenting approaches in encouraging intrafamily succession.