THE LESSONS OF SUCCESSION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SECOND-GENERATION SCHOOL OWNERS AS ADMINISTRATORS

This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach aimed at describing and understanding the experiences of second-generation school owners as administrators in a family-owned school. Eight participants were recruited using deliberate sampling and underwent a virtual, in-depth interview and focus group discussion. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis using NVIVO software and with a peer debriefer. This study aims to answer three research questions, particularly the lived experiences of second-generation school owners, their coping mechanisms, and their insights relative to the purpose of the study. As to the lived experiences, five themes emerged, namely: facing the challenges of succession, understanding financial management, managing comparison and expectations, maintaining educational mission and values, and demonstrating resilience and adaptability. With regard to coping mechanisms, five themes appeared, namely, the significance of employee support and feedback, maintenance of transparency and open communication, financial management strategies, the significance of the organizational structure, and commitment to further development. Lastly, their insights revealed five themes: creating means for open and transparent communication, upholding cultural values, tradition, and innovation, prioritizing employee engagement and relationship building, and establishing succession plans and professional development. The study's results may help the family-owned schools craft effective succession planning guidelines, as well as the Department of Education and other private school associations, as a basis for policy-making of programs related to the sustainability of private family-owned schools.