Development and Learning in Organizations

Purpose – The aim of this article was to emphasize that board member failure to develop a succession plan places the organization in a precarious status quo mode, and thereby to help educate executive directors and board members about the need for an executive succession plan.

Design/methodology/approach – Case study methods were used to collect data presented in the case narrative.

Findings – The results of the authors' case study suggest that organizations that do not plan for executive succession events jeopardize their ability to pursue new opportunities.

Research limitations/implications – Generalizability of a single case study may be a research concern despite its in-depth investigation, analysis, and findings.

Practical implications – Executive directors and board members must recognize the importance of an executive succession plan to ensure smooth transition from one executive to another.

Originality/value – In these complex times it is a strategic imperative that organizations are ready to address issues of uncertainty. An executive succession plan can help ensure organizational responses to changing internal and external environmental conditions.