GHOSTS OF MANAGERS PAST - MANAGERIAL SUCCESSION AND ORGANIZATIONAL MORTALITY

This study investigated the effects of managerial succession on organi zational mortality, applying dynamic models to longitudinal data and e xploring the impact of succession over time. The model included the su ccession of managers and firm presidents. Small organizations, which a re likely to be homogeneous in their response to succession, were stud ied, Succession increased organizational mortality. These effects dimi nished as time passed and were stronger in younger organizations. Pres idential exit had greater impact than the turnover of other managers.