Factors for Selecting Incompetent Successors in Family Owned Manufacturing Firms in Dar-Es-Salaam Region, Tanzania

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring the factors that lead to selecting incompetent or unsuitable successors in the family owned manufacturing firms (FOMFs) in Dar es Salaam region. The study utilised interpretivism philosophical paradigm and an inductive approach. The study employed qualitative research design, in-depth interview and it was cross-sectional in nature. Primary data were collected from ten owner-managers using snowball sampling technique. Content analysis was employed through categorising, arranging and analysing interviews, field notes and audio files into relevant themes and the findings were matched with relevant literature and theory. The study findings revealed that lack of succession planning, lack of confidence, lack of wisdom and communication problems were the major factors leading to selecting incompetent successors in the FOMFs. The study recommends that FOMFs should develop and implement the policies with plans and guidelines necessary for developing and selecting the business successors basing on merits such as qualifications, competency and suitability.