Succession pools in a South African hotel group

Abstract

The objective of the research was to evaluate succession pools as implemented in a South African hotel group, from the point of view of executive, manager, assistant manager and candidates in a pool. The purpose was to enhance the process of implementing succession pools in an organisation, as well as to determine the factors that can contribute to the long-term effectiveness of succession management, using succession pools. Thirty two interviews were conducted at the case site, City Lodge Hotels Limited (the Group) involving management and employees. The four levels of respondents chosen came from the executive, manager, assistant manager and candidate level in the succession pools. The results were consolidated to determine an overall view of the different levels, understanding and perceptions of the respondents of the process of implementing succession pools in an organisation. Positive and negative aspects from the four levels were recorded. The main strengths and weaknesses of the succession management programme were identified. The research showed that executives, managers, assistant managers and succession pool candidates have different perceptions and understandings of the succession pool programme. The research highlighted key issues that management should consider in the planning, design and implementation of succession pools as part of the succession management objectives of an organisation in order to ensure successful long term planning. The study should be useful to other companies wishing to implement succession pools as part of their succession management initiatives, as well as to the case site as the Group continues using succession pools with the purpose of enhancing skills retention and development within the company, with the intention of reducing vacancies and staff turnover and creating a platform in which employees can take control of their own careers