Dilemas e desafios da sucessão da liderança em empresas familiares

Pietra Monteiro Fleig; Joaquim Rubens Fontes Filho

doi:10.5585/2025.28530

Authors

Pietra Monteiro Fleig Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), Graduação em Administração Pública e de Empresas, Escola Brasileira de Administração Pública e de Empresas (EBAPE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7794-365X
Joaquim Rubens Fontes Filho Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), Mestrado Profissional em Administração Pública, Escola Brasileira de Administração Pública e de Empresas (EBAPE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6377-1185

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.28530

Keywords:

succession, family businesses, systematic review, challenges, corporate governance

Abstract

Study objective: This study aims to analyze the main challenges faced by family businesses during leadership succession and identify strategies for effective transitions.

Methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted from 2014 to 2024, following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on peer-reviewed academic articles on family business succession.

Originality/relevance: This study contributes by investigating theoretical gaps concerning successor legitimacy building and the dilemma between preserving the family legacy and fostering innovation. These themes, while central to the dynamics of family businesses, remain underexplored in the corporate governance and succession

literature.

Main results: Four key challenges were identified: successor selection, cognitive biases, balancing tradition with innovation, and legitimacy building. Strategies like progressive socialization, external experience, and competency development were found to enhance succession outcomes.

Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study underscores the need for structured succession planning and calls for further research on hybrid leadership models and cultural influences.

Social/managerial contributions: Improved succession processes can ensure business continuity and preserve the socio-emotional wealth of family firms.

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Author Biographies

Pietra Monteiro Fleig, Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), Graduação em Administração Pública e de Empresas, Escola Brasileira de Administração Pública e de Empresas (EBAPE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Graduated in Law and Management from Fundação Getulio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Postgraduate student in Family and Inheritance Law at IBDFAM. Consultant at Une Succession and Governance, São Paulo, Brazil.

Joaquim Rubens Fontes Filho, Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), Mestrado Profissional em Administração Pública, Escola Brasileira de Administração Pública e de Empresas (EBAPE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

PhD in Administration, Professor at the Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar (UASB/Quito).

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