Abstract Background The succession process of a family firm is associated with a number of challenges, and hence a potential for conflicts is strongly pronounced. However, succession is of utmost importance for a family firm, as it is the only way to avoid a company closure in the long run. Previous literature has already extensively researched the phenomena of conflicts in family firms. However, there is a lack of research that looks from a multi-perspective lens into the context of succession and post-succession conflicts. Therefore, in the present research, we examine how family businesses experience and cope conflicts that appear after a successfully mastered intrafamily succession. Purpose This study aims to advance the understanding of conflicts in family firms related explicitly to the context of successions and post-successions. Hence, the thesis aims to determine how conflicts that appear in these contexts are experienced and how they are coped with. Method The study follows a qualitative methodological approach and an inductive analysis. The sample consists of three companies and 14 research respondents, and the data was collected with semi-structured qualitative interviews. Afterwards, the data was coded, and the emerging patterns and themes have been formulated and presented with a general model. Doing so, the focus was on patterns of succession- and post-succession-related conflicts and their coping strategies. Conclusion Our findings reveal that succession and post-succession-related conflicts are experienced as evoked intangible and provoked tangible conflicts and these conflicts are consciously as well as unconsciously coped with. Furthermore, our findings suggest that succession and post-succession family firm conflicts appear as conflict loops. Hence, the coping mechanisms identified and presented are helpful to solve a conflict, but the loop can hardly be escaped.

Background: Family businesses contribute significantly to global economies but face unique challenges, notably in succession planning and generational transitions. These challenges are amplified due to the interplay of personal relationships, emotions, and family dynamics. Existing research offers quantitative insights into this field; however, the nuances of human experiences and perceptions in different cultural contexts remain underexplored. This study seeks to bridge this gap through qualitative exploration of family businesses' experiences and perceptions in Sweden and Canada, focusing on succession planning and generational transitions. The research aims to provide a more nuanced understanding, thus contributing to more effective, culturally sensitive, and practitioner-oriented strategies for managing intergenerational transfers. Purpose: This study delves into the complex process of succession in family businesses in Sweden and Canada. By emphasizing practitioners' lived experiences, it aims to identify prevalent patterns, contribute to the current literature, and potentially inform enhanced succession practices. Method: Applying an abductive research approach, the research combined hermeneutic and phenomenological methods, employing semi-structured interviews with nine family businesses six in Sweden and three in Canada as the primary data collection method. This approach allowed for a rich understanding of the phenomena. Conclusion: The research underscores the complexities of succession planning in family businesses, emphasizing the importance of open communication, trust, personal ties, and effective succession planning. Our findings diverge from a one-size-fits-all approach, revealing a multifaceted reality that requires a more adaptable, context-specific approach to succession planning. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of succession processes in family businesses, presenting valuable insights for future research, policy decisions, and practical business strategies.

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Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Family Studies and Human Services / John E. Grable and Kristy L. Archuleta / The efficient operation and succession of family owned businesses plays a critical role in our national economic health. This study was built upon the Family Business Succession Model, which is based on family systems theory. The impact of owner characteristics, enterprise characteristics, business formalizing activities, family influence, access to resources, and external environmental conditions, all on the extensiveness of family business succession preparedness, was assessed. These results were moderated by the generation of the business. With an exploratory and descriptive methodology, primary survey data were obtained from family business owners in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. Research results provide family business advisors with important insight for developing recommendations around improving the extensiveness of family business succession preparedness, provide important policy implications, and serve as a basis for additional theory development in family business succession planning.

Der Anteil der externen Nachfolge bei eigentümergeführten bzw. Familienunternehmen nimmt stetig zu. Eine Möglichkeit ist dabei ein Management-Buy-In, bei dem ein externer Manager die Position des Altinhabers übernimmt. In einer solchen Situation kann die Nachfolge in Form einer Relay Succession erfolgen, eine zeitlich gestaffelte Übergabe vom alten an den neuen Inhaber. In dieser Arbeit werden die Relay Succession, ihre Vor- und Nachteile, relevante Einflussfaktoren und Prozessempfehlungen in qualitativen Fallstudien untersucht.

This thesis analyses Succession Planning and Management practices in international organizations, and specifically in UniCredit Group, with the goal of developing recommendations for improvement of UniCredit Group's existing practice. The theoretical part provides background knowledge about generics of succession planning and management, its evolution and connection with other Human Resource processes. It is followed by highlights of acclaimed best practices in mitigating risks in implementing succession planning and management systems. The latter acts as a beginning of the practical background of the thesis, as the empirical study aims at discovering strengths and weaknesses of the UniCredit Group in comparison with the theoretical models and the best practices presentation. Based on the latter, qualitative research has been conducted in cooperation with UniCredit Group's Central and Eastern Europe Sub-holding level HR Business Partners and Specialists. The hypothesis that UniCredit Group has a well-established succession planning and management system (up to the most possible comparison with theoretical models and best practices) has been confirmed. The analysis and synthesis of the results from both the theoretical and empirical part are the basis, on which recommendations have been developed.

Introduktion: Familjeföretag är betydelsefulla för den svenska ekonomin och utgör ungefär en tredjedel av Sveriges bruttonationalprodukt (BNP) och den totala sysselsättningen. Inom familjeföretag är det vanligt förekommande att ett generationsskifte sker, där den äldre generationen överlåter ägandet till den efterkommande yngre generationen. Med hjälp av teori och intervjuer analyseras bakgrundsfaktorerna till två svenska familjeföretag generationsskiften. Teorin som applicerades var sex-stegsmodellen, kultur och relationer. Syfte: Syftet med denna uppsats var att undersöka två familjeföretag och att med hjälp av sexstegmodellen och andra faktorer som familjerelationer och kultur. För att kunna identifiera anledningen till att företagen överlevt i flera generationer. Metod: Det genomfördes en kvalitativ fallstudie där två svenska familjeföretag analyserades. För att samla in material genomfördes 10 semistrukturerade intervjuer med respondenter från företagen Assbecks AB och KD Solskydd. För att analysera det insamlade materialet har en tematisk analys och kodning genomförts. Slutsats: Dessa två familjeföretag implementerar inte alltid hela sexstegsmodellen eller följer en skriftlig och strikt plan när de vill genomföra ett generationsskifte. De har emellertid genomgått processen flexibelt och utan några problem med hjälp av faktorerna såsom familjerelationer och företagskultur. Dessa faktorer kompletterar sexstegsmodellen. För ett framgångsrikt generationsskifte är det avgörande att upprätthålla balansen mellan kultur, värderingar, nytänkande och att bibehålla en stark familjerelation. / Introduction: Family businesses play a crucial role in the Swedish economy, which consists of about one-third of the gross domestic product (GDP) and total employment. The successionprocess is very common within family businesses, involving the transfer of ownership from the older to the younger generation. Different factors such as culture and relationshpis within the family buisness are analyzed usin theory and interviews from two Swedish family businesses. The applied theory includes the six-stairs model, culture, and relationships.  Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to investigate two family businesses by utilizing the six-stairs model and other factors such as family relations and culture. In order to identify the reasons why these companies have survived across multiple generations. Method: Two Swedish family businesses were analyzed with a qualitative case study.. To collect material, 10 semi-structured interviews were implemented with respondents from the companies Assbecks och KD Solskydd. An thematic analysis and coding were used to analyze the collected material.  Conclusion: These two family businesses don't always implement the entire six-stairs model or follow a strict plan when executing a succession process. However, they have navigated the process flexibly and without any expirenced issues due to factors such as family relationships and family culture. These factors complement the six-stairs model. Which involves maintaining a balance between culture, values, innovation and maintaining a strong family relationship is crucial for a successful succession process.

Résumé: La subérine, un polymère lipidique et complexe des plantes est retrouvé dans divers tissus dont le périderme de la pomme de terre. Le processus biologique de sa dégradation reste encore peu connu et est attribué aux champignons. Des échantillons de sol provenant d'un champ de pommes de terre ont été inoculés dans un milieu de culture contenant de la subérine comme source de carbone. Une approche métaprotéomique a été utilisée pour identifier les populations bactériennes qui se développent en présence de la subérine sur une période d'incubation de 60 jours. Le nombre de spectres normalisé (NSpC) des protéines extracellulaires produites par la communauté bactérienne du sol ont considérablement diminué du jour 5 au jour 20, puis ont augmenté lentement, révélant une succession de bactéries, où la population des bactéries du genre Pseudomonas à croissance rapide a diminué et a été remplacée par d’autres espèces bactériennes qui pouvaient se développer en présence de la subérine. La récalcitrance de la subérine a été démontrée par l'émergence de bactéries auxotrophes telles qu’Oscillatoria dans les derniers jours de la culture bactérienne. Néanmoins, l'identification de deux lipases dans le surnageant de la culture suggère qu'au moins certaines espèces bactériennes peuvent dégrader la subérine. Une des lipases (I4WGM2) a été associée à Rhodanobacter thiooxydans. Lorsque cultivée dans un milieu contenant de la subérine, la souche de R. thiooxidans LCS2 a produit trois lipases, dont I4WGM2. R. thiooxidans LCS2 a également produit d'autres protéines liées au métabolisme des lipides, des transporteurs de chaines d’acide gras et les enzymes de la [béta]-oxydation. Ceci suggère que R. thiooxydans pourrait participer à la dégradation de la subérine. / Abstract: Suberin is a complex lipidic plant polymer found in various tissues including potato periderm. The biological degradation process of suberin is poorly characterized and is attributed to fungi. Soil samples from a potato field were used to inoculate a culture medium containing suberin as carbon source and a metaproteomics approach was used to identify bacterial populations that develop in the presence of suberin, over a 60-day incubation period. The normalized spectral counts of predicted extracellular proteins produced by the soil bacterial community drastically decreased from day 5 to day 20 and then slowly increased, revealing a succession of bacteria. The population of fast-growing pseudomonads declined and was replaced by species that could develop in the presence of suberin. The recalcitrance of suberin was demonstrated by the emergence of auxotrophic bacteria such as Oscillatoria in the last days of the assay. Nevertheless, the identification of two putative lipases in the culture supernatants suggests that at least some bacterial species could degrade suberin. One of the lipases (I4WGM2) was associated with Rhodanobacter thiooxydans. When grown in a suberin-containing medium, R. thiooxydans strain LCS2 produced three lipases, including I4WGM2. This strain also produced other proteins linked to lipid metabolism, including fatty acid and lipid transporters and [beta]-oxidation enzymes, suggesting that R. thiooxydans could participate in suberin degradation.

Thesis (LLD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Freedom of testation is one of the underlying principles of the South African law of testate succession. South African testators may therefore dispose of their assets by way of will in any manner they deem fit. This freedom is however not absolute and is indeed restricted in accordance with certain social and economic considerations - some of the restrictions on free testamentary disposition originated at common law while others are couched in the form of statute. The boni mores or legal convictions of the community is one of the socially founded mechanisms which operate to limit freedom of testation in South African law. The South African legislature as well as the South African courts have however been somewhat remiss in attending to (and rejuvinating) the legal position regarding the restriction of freedom of testation in terms of the boni mores. The need for legal development in this area is all the more acute in view of South Africa's new constitutional dispensation - the interpretation and application of South Africa's final Constitution has rendered the influence of constitutional rights and principles on private law (and therefore also on freedom of testation) a pertinent legal issue. In view of the above-mentioned considerations, this work entails a general study of freedom of testation with specific reference to the application of a constitutionally founded boni morescriterion on the restriction of free testamentary disposition. This study proceeds with due cognisance of relevant juridical, social and economic considerations which provide a basis for both freedom of testation and its limitation. In this regard a historical perspective is obtained at the outset through an analysis of the approach to freedom of testation in Roman and Roman-Dutch law. The position with regard to South African law is thereafter investigated. The "traditional" approach to freedom of testation (and its restriction) is examined first, whereafter the possible impact of relevant provisions of the South African Bill of Rights on free testamentary disposition is considered from a theoretical perspective. A comparative study then follows. In this regard the approach to freedom of testation in both common law and continental or civil law legal systems is investigated. English and Australian law are considered as examples of the former while Dutch, Belgian and German law are considered as examples of the latter. The investigation into all the legal systems mentioned above has a dual focus. On the one hand the support which is rendered to freedom of testation in each legal system is considered. This support is readily founded on the acknowledgement in each system of private ownership and hence private succession, the latter which in turn acknowledges testamentary freedom. Other elements of the law of testate succession which render support to freedom of testation in each system are also examined. The restriction of free testamentary disposition in each legal system is investigated on the other hand. This investigation is principally focused on the impact of the boni mores, legal convictions of the community, public interest, public policy (the last-mentioned consideration is of particular importance in common law legal systems) and the good morals (particularly relevant in civil law legal systems) on the restriction of freedom of testation. Proposals for a future approach to the restriction of freedom of testation in South African law in accordance with a constitutionally founded boni mores-criterion are advanced in the closing chapter. The principal proposal in this regard is couched in the form of a new statutory provision which would best address the legal problem under discussion. This proposal is then illustrated with reference to practical examples. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Testeervryheid vorm een van die grondslae van die Suid-Afrikaanse testate erfreg. Suid- Afrikaanse testateurs kan dientengevolge na goeddunke by wyse van testament oor hul bates beskik. Hierdie vryheid is egter nie absoluut nie en word ooreenkomstig bepaalde sosiale en ekonomiese oorwegings beperk - sommige beperkings is gemeenregtelik van aard terwyl andere in wetgewing beslag kry. Die boni mores of regsgevoel van die gemeenskap is een van die sosiaal-gefundeerde meganismes aan die hand waarvan testeervryheid in die Suid- Afrikaanse reg beperk word. Sowel die Suid-Afrikaanse wetgewer as die Suid-Afrikaanse howe het egter in onlangse tye in gebreke gebly om die regsposisie ten opsigte van die beperking van testeervryheid ingevolge die boni mores te vernuwe. Regsontwikkeling op hierdie gebied is des te meer noodsaaklik in die lig van Suid-Afrika se nuwe grondwetlike bedeling - die invloed van grondwetlike regte en beginsels op die privaatreg (en derhalwe ook op testeervryheid) word geredelik deur die interpretasie en toepassing van Suid-Afrika se finale Grondwet aan die orde gestel. In die lig van bogenoemde oorwegings word 'n studie van testeervryheid in die algemeen en die aanwending van 'n grondwetlik-gefundeerde boni mores-maatstaf ter beperking van testeervryheid in die besonder in hierdie werk onderneem. Die studie geskied deurgaans aan die hand van tersaaklike juridiese, sosiale en ekonomiese oorwegings wat sowel testeervryheid as die beperking van dié vryheid fundeer. In hierdie verband word 'n historiese perspektief ter aanvang verkry deurdat die benadering tot testeervryheid in die Romeinse en Romeins- Hollandse reg ontleed word. Die posisie in die Suid-Afrikaanse reg word daarna op tweeledige wyse ondersoek. Die "tradisionele" benadering tot testeervryheid (en die beperking daarvan) word enersyds onder die loep geneem waarna 'n teoretiese perspektief op die moontlike invloed van tersaaklike bepalings van die Suid-Afrikaanse Handves van Regte op testeervryheid andersyds verkry word. 'n Regsvergelykende studie word daarna onderneem. In hierdie verband word die benadering tot testeervryheid in sowel "common law"- as kontinentale of "civil law "-regstelsels beskou. Die Engelse en Australiese reg word as voorbeelde van eersgenoemde ontleed terwyl die Nederlandse, Belgiese en Duitse reg as voorbeelde van laasgenoemde beskou word. Die fokus van die ondersoek na al die regstelsels hierbo vermeld, val enersyds op die onderskraging wat in elke regstelsel aan testeervryheid verleen word. Sodanige onderskraging spruit geredelik uit die erkenning in die onderskeie regstelsels van private eiendomsreg en derhalwe private erfopvolging, laasgenoemde wat weer op die erkenning van testeervryheid dui. Ook ander elemente van die testate erfreg wat in elke van die genoemde regstelsels ter onderskraging van testeervryheid funksioneer, word beskou. Die beperking van testeervryheid in elk van die regstelsels word andersyds ondersoek. Die fokus val in hierdie verband veralop die invloed van die boni mores, regsgevoel van die gemeenskap, openbare belang, openbare beleid (laasgenoemde veral relevant in "common law"-regstelsels) en die goeie sedes (veral relevant in kontinentale regstelsels) op die beperking van testeervryheid. In die slothoofstuk word voorstelle omtrent 'n toekomstige benadering tot die beperking van testeervryheid in die Suid-Afrikaanse reg aan die hand van 'n grondwetlik-gefundeerde boni mores-maatstaf gemaak. Die vernaamste voorstel in hierdie verband vind beslag in 'n nuwe statutêre bepaling wat die onderhawige regsprobleem ten beste sal aanspreek. Hierdie voorstel word ten slotte aan die hand van praktiese voorbeelde toegelig.

The title of this thesis is: The Customary Law of Intestate Succession. The African customary law relating to intestate succession has always been known to discriminate against women. The thesis therefore focuses on the customary law of intestate succession in the countries of South Africa, Ghana and Swaziland and the inroads they have made in improving the rights of women in this discriminatory field of African customary law. This thesis consists of six chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the topic of the research. It highlights the organisation of the intended research which comprises: a statement of the problem, the legal framework, research methodology and a summary of the chapter. Chapter 2 defines the general terms and concepts used in the customary law of intestate succession. This facilitates an understanding of the general principles comprising the body of law known as the customary law of intestate succession and lays the foundation for the country specific issues that are investigated in the following chapters. Chapter 3 discusses the recognition, application and development of the customary law of intestate succession in the country of South Africa. Chapter 4 considers the rules and laws of the customary law of intestate succession in the West African country of Ghana. Chapter 5 explains the current rules and laws of the customary law of intestate succession prevailing in the Kingdom of Swaziland. Finally, chapter 6 brings the thesis to a meaningful end, by criticizing the approaches adopted by the countries of South Africa, Ghana and Swaziland in improving the rights of women as far as the customary law of intestate succession is concerned. The chapter also presents various recommendations for improving the rights of women in this discriminatory field of the law. / Public, Constitutional, & International / LL.D.