A Qualitative Root Cause Study of Succession Readiness in the Harvesting Function of an Indonesian Agribusiness Company

This qualitative single embedded case study explores succession readiness in an Indonesian agribusiness company’s Harvesting function, whose reported 2025 score was lowest among four functions (67.86%). Semi-structured interviews with one HR headquarters leader and three Harvesting informants in August–September 2026 were interpreted thematically. Accounts suggest a readiness-opportunity gap involving uneven status communication, informal mentoring, vacancies, restructuring, external hiring and operational pressure. Assessed readiness, successor designation and appointment remain distinct. Four sequenced interventions are proposed, not evaluated. Findings reflect four accounts rather than verified causes of the 2025 KPI; the KPI definition and links between readiness and placement require confirmation.