Succession Planning


Good succession planning is the key to future proof your organisation. This concept explains how to ensure a consistent effort to create a pool of high potential candidates who possess the critical competencies to step up to critical roles.

Technique Overview

Succession Planning

Succession Planning Definition

“Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing potential future leaders or senior managers, as well as individuals to fill other business-critical positions, either in the short- or the long-term. In addition to training and development activities, succession planning programmes typically include the provision of practical, tailored work experience relevant for future senior or key roles” (CIPD, 2015).

Succession Planning Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Succession Planning *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Succession Planning *

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Professional Tools

Succession Planning videos and downloads *

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Further Reading

Succession Planning web and print resources *

Succession Planning references (4 of up to 20) *

  • CIPD (2015) Succession Planning: What is Succession Planning, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development [online], available at: http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/succession-planning.aspx
  • Citrin, J. M. and Ogden, D. (2010) Succeeding at Succession, HBR, Nov.
  • Clutterbuck, D. (2012) The Talent Wave: Why Succession Planning Fails and What to Do About It, Kogan Page, London.
  • Dessler, G. (2014) Human Resource Management, Prentice Hall, US.

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