The Application of Force Field Model in Succession Planning

Succession planning is one of the most important survival strategies for effective operation in today's turbulent world. Apart from the importance of this matter, in any organization, a diverse set of facilitating and preventive factors is emerged in succession planning process which creates a challenging force field for and against it. Using qualitative research method and content analysis, facilitating and preventive methods in practicing succession planning are investigated in Itook Company. Interviews are employed to gather data. The results of the research emphasized on new factors which prevent the development of succession planning in terms of common organizational culture in Iranian organizations through dishonesty in data furnishing, mutual distrust, envy at colleagues, as well universal factors such as the lack of top managers’ support, cost-benefit relationship and lack of employees general motivation. However, remarkable facilitating factors in improving the knowledge level of managers and developing employees which create a valuable opportunity for succession planning can be observed as well.