Multi-level determinants of satisfaction in family business succession: The moderating role of cultural contexts

• Introduces a multilevel model of satisfaction with succession in family firms. • High power distance reduces benefits of inclusive succession planning. • Succession is a multilevel, strategic process shaped by cultural context. • Formal succession planning improves satisfaction when aligned with culture. Succession is a complex, vital family business process and is critical for continuity and legacy preservation. This study addresses the atomised nature of prior research by examining the determinants of succession satisfaction across micro, meso, and macro levels within an integrated multilevel framework. Findings revealed that demographic traits played a minor role, whereas key factors such as formal succession planning and family identification significantly enhanced satisfaction. The study highlights the moderating role of cultural dimensions, such as long-term orientation (LTO) and power distance (PD). High LTO reduces the impact of structured planning by prioritizing long-term objectives over immediate outcomes, whereas high PD restricts inclusivity in decision-making. These results emphasize that succession satisfaction is context-dependent. Practitioners must consider these actionable insights into designing culturally sensitive succession plans. This research advances the theoretical understanding of family business succession satisfaction and underscores the importance of balancing procedural strategies with relational goals for successful transitions.