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This paper sought to explore the factors influencing the intergenerational survival of FOPBCs in Zimbabwe. An exploratory research design was used to collect data from a population of 153 participants, made up of founders, managers, and inspectors working for FOPBCs in Harare, Zimbabwe. A 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire was designed and self-administered to the participants. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) utilizing Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) extraction and Oblique with Kaizer Normalization Rotation, in IBM SPSS Statistics v 26, was used to examine the factors influencing survival of FOPBCs in Zimbabwe. An 8-factor solution, accounting for 84.76% of the total variance was established and all the factors were named accordingly. The factors which emanated from the EFA were succession planning, family entrepreneurial orientation, family total resources, leadership, management, strategic planning, corporate governance, and the external environment. The study concluded that, while all FOPBCs were affected by the external environment, firms capable of effectively implementing, monitoring, and controlling the other seven factors had higher chances of witnessing successful intergenerational business transitions. A clear strategy incorporating succession planning, family entrepreneurial orientation, family total resources, leadership, management at the same time upholding corporate governance practices will see FOPBCs surviving across generations.

The purpose of this study was to assess factors affecting succession planning in family-owned fish trading SMEs businesses in Mwanza city. The research utilized quantitative methodologies to evaluate the effect of individual, familial, and organizational factors on succession planning within family-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mwanza city. Chi-square analyses revealed that leadership, delegation, the ability to disassociate from the business, and successor preferences significantly influence succession planning. Moreover, the interest and abilities of the successor plays a crucial role in the planning process. The study further found that family-level factors, including traditions, compensating family members, formal communication forums, and the desire to maintain family control, also significantly affect succession planning. Regression analyses indicated that individual factors such as leadership, delegation, and the abilities of potential successors positively influenced succession planning. At the family level, practices like compensating family members and establishing formal communication channels significantly contributed to succession planning, while traditional practices like favouring the eldest son as a successor did not have a substantial impact. Additionally, the study identified that the readiness of the successor, the presence of a clear and documented succession plan, effective board governance, a well-defined organizational structure, and the existence of a written strategic plan were key predictors of successful succession planning. The findings suggest that businesses with well-defined and specific succession plans, identified successors, and active development plans for the next generation are more likely to achieve success in shaping succession planning within family-owned fish trading SMEs, providing a solid foundation for successful ownership transitions. This research offers valuable insights for future research and policy development concerning SME succession planning and business sustainability.