Factors Influencing The Adaption Of Succession Planning In Manufacturing Small To Medium Enterprises In Harare Metropolitan Province Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study seeks to assess the factors that influence the adoption of succession planning decisions in manufacturing small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Harare Metropolitan Province. The study used the mixed method research method. Pragmatism research philosophy was used in this study as it incorporates the use of mixed methods. The study was underpinned by the Leadership Model Succession Theory. The study sample size was 53 respondents taken from a population of 60. The Raosoft sample size calculator was used to come up with sample size with a 5% margin of error and 95% confidence level. Structured questionnaires and and interview guide were used to solicit data. Quantitative data were uploaded on SPSS Version 21 and analysed using inferential statistics. Qualitative data were also analysed thematically and graphically presented in cloud format using NVIVO version 29. Major findings of the study identify the relationship between succession planning and the performance of manufacturing SMEs in Zimbabwe. Major findings of the study identify owner's age, education, structure and size. The availability of financial resources exerts discernible influence on the trajectory of succession planning for SMEs in Zimbabwe. Management succession planning is critical for manufacturing SMEs to enhance performance. Longitudinal study is needed for effective leadership constructs on governance of SMEs to achieve needed performance in Zimbabwe.