In this study we identified and examined the characteristics of nonprofits that have organizational leadership development (OLD) initiatives integrated with executive succession planning to ensure the continuity of organizational leadership. Results from a survey of the 54 nonprofit Israeli executive directors (EDs) found that the importance of OLD and its availability and accessibility were positively associated with succession planning. Findings included the extent to which EDs advise boards about succession planning and the likelihood of internal recruitment (including an institutional policy) as a mechanism for EDs’ replacements. Implications for nonprofit boards and EDs and recommendations for future research are provided.
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