Nothing Succeeds Like Succession: A Critical Review of Leader Succession Literature Since 1994

Abstract

This article reviews leader succession research from 1994 to 2004. We begin with a brief summary of Kesner and Sebora’s [Kesner, I. F., & Sebora, T. C. (1994). Executive succession: Past, present and future. Journal of Management, 20, 327–372.] review of leader succession. We then critically examine intervening progress made by scholars regarding antecedents and consequences of succession. We conclude by critiquing the state of the field from both theoretical and methodological perspectives, and offering recommendations for future research. Generally, succession continues to be an attractive venue for scholars from a wide array of disciplines. Theory and methodology continue to be of variable quality, though some progress has been noted in the past decade on both fronts. Particularly notable research has generally either examined contextual aspects of succession, thus advancing our knowledge beyond main effects research, or used succession phenomena as windows into advancing organization theory.

Keywords: Leader succession, Succession antecedents, Succession consequences, CEO succession, Succession review

JEL Classification: M12, M51, M52, L2