Next-generation family business leaders: antecedents and behavioral mechanisms of succession intention

Purpose Building upon the theory of planned behavior and family business research, this study examines entrepreneurial family background (prior family business exposure and family business self-efficacy) as an intergenerational influence on the succession intention of next-generation family business leaders. Addressing a gap in succession intention research, the study assesses two mechanisms (attitude toward family business succession and perceived family support) that explain the relationship between entrepreneurial family background and succession intention. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey-based research design was employed to examine a sample of 278 next-generation family business leaders from Austria, the United States and other countries. Findings Attitude toward family business succession significantly explains the relationship between prior family business exposure and succession intention, whereas perceived family support does not. Family business self-efficacy is strongly related to succession intention directly and indirectly through attitude toward family business succession and perceived family support. Practical implications We discuss future research directions for family business scholarship and the practical implications for family business firms, including the development of succession management capabilities that provide next-generation leaders with positive early-career developmental experiences. Originality/value The study contributes to succession intention research by showing that prior family business exposure and family business self-efficacy are associated with succession intention through different mechanisms. Prior family business exposure is linked to succession intention through attitude toward family business succession, whereas family business self-efficacy demonstrates a strong direct relationship with succession intention and significant indirect relationships through both attitude and perceived family support.