A Study on Succession Planning as a Strategic Tool for Sustainable Organisational Development
Keywords:
Succession Planning, Sustainable Organisational Development, Leadership Continuity, Strategic Human Resource Management, Talent ManagementAbstract
Succession planning has emerged as a strategic priority for organisations seeking long-term sustainability in an increasingly dynamic business environment. The purpose of the present study is to examine succession planning as a strategic tool for sustainable organisational development, with specific reference to Indian organisations. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design based on secondary data collected from published research articles, management journals, and organisational reports. The analysis indicates that structured succession planning practices significantly contribute to leadership continuity, internal talent development, and organisational stability. The findings further suggest that organisations with formal succession frameworks demonstrate improved employee retention and reduced dependency on individual leaders, thereby strengthening long-term sustainability. From a theoretical perspective, the study reinforces the linkage between strategic human resource management and sustainable organisational development. Managerial implications highlight the need for Indian organisations to institutionalise succession planning through transparent policies, leadership development programmes, and top management commitment. The study contributes to management literature by positioning succession planning as a proactive strategic intervention rather than a routine human resource function.
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References
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