The succession process and leadership in Lebanon family businesses

Abstract

The most significant difference between family business and non-family business is the way in which executive succession takes place, and more specifically, the aspects of inter generational family business transfer. The purpose of this paper lies in the fact that it offers empirical evidence that links succession issues to the business performance and leadership in Lebanese family businesses. The study proceeds with a detailed statistical analysis based on a stratified randomly selected sample (106 Lebanese family controlled businesses) to determine the relationship between business performance and leadership on one side and succession issues in Lebanon. The study concludes by allowing a better understanding of the issues related to the succession process and raising an awareness of the important factors shaping the ownership transition in Lebanese family businesses