Qualitative Research through Q-Analysis: Gathering Research Evidence in the Succession Process in SMEs, Pilot Studies

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60076658%3A12510%2F25%3A43909608" target="_blank" >RIV/60076658:12510/25:43909608 - isvavai.cz</a>

Alternative codes found

RIV/61384399:31160/25:00061435

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.32725/det.2025.005" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.32725/det.2025.005</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.32725/det.2025.005" target="_blank" >10.32725/det.2025.005</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Qualitative Research through Q-Analysis: Gathering Research Evidence in the Succession Process in SMEs, Pilot Studies

Original language description

Succession planning in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a critical challenge that can determine the sustainability and growth of a business. This study explores the application of Q-methodology to assess the alignment of perspectives between incumbents and successors during the succession process in SMEs. Through a qualitative analysis of case studies from three different organisations, the research evaluates how the convergence of opinions impacts the success of leadership transitions. The study combines narrative analysis with Q-methodology, enabling both qualitative and quantitative insights into succession dynamics. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with incumbents and successors, followed by Q-sorting exercises to map opinion alignment. The results reveal varied outcomes, showing that a high degree of opinion alignment does not always guarantee successful transitions. This is demonstrated in the museum case, where the transition was less successful despite exhibiting the highest level of opinion convergence. Conversely, the electrical components company, which had lower alignment, experienced a smoother transition, highlighting the importance of structured succession planning alongside opinion convergence. The findings suggest that while opinion alignment is a factor, successful succession also relies on the preparedness of both parties and a well-structured process that addresses interpersonal issues. This research contributes to the literature on SME succession by demonstrating the utility of Q-methodology in analysing leadership transitions and by providing insights into the complexities of opinion alignment and its role in successful succession planning.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

50204 - Business and management

Project

—

Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

DETUROPE - Central European Journal of Regional Development and Tourism

ISSN

1821-2506

e-ISSN

1821-2506

Volume of the periodical

17

Issue of the periodical within the volume

1

Country of publishing house

RS - THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Number of pages

19

Pages from-to

114-132

UT code for WoS article

001553609900005

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-105014390740