Abstract:
In order to assess the current usage of succession management programs in
Australian-based organizations, and gain information on the characteristics and perceived
effectiveness of such programs, a national research study was undertaken. A total of 711 human
resource management professionals from a range of organizations across the country answered
the questionnaire, a response rate of 59 percent. Succession management programs were present
in less than half of the respondent's organizations. Furthermore, these programs were generally
less than five years old. The prime imperatives for introducing succession management programs
were reported as the desire to improve business results, and the need for new ski1l requirements in
the business. A relationship between organization size, industry and type and the likelihood to use
succession management was found. Common perceptions concerning the characteristics of
effective succession management programs were also identified and are described in the paper. In
brief, these are: high level involvement by the chief executive officer: senior management support;
line management involvement in identifying candidates; developmental assignments as part of the
process; and succession management linked to business strategies.
