SUCCESSION PLANNING: PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION WORKFORCE FOR THE UNIVERSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Abstract

The study seeks to unveil the importance of succession planning, find ways of designing a coordinated approach to track high performers to specific leadership positions and propose a conceptual succession planning model for the University for Development Studies. The researcher therefore gathered and reviewed secondary data on empirical studies on succession planning and its impact on organizational performance. The review was specifically geared towards the concept, its importance and benefits, factors that influence succession planning and the appropriate criteria for a succession planning programme. The study revealed that, identifying candidates is not just a matter of sitting down with an organization chart. It requires meetings and discussions with leaders and if possible a representative from each department, section, and unit. It said the presence of a vacant position does not necessarily suggest that there will be a perfect match for the position, but discussions with employees will give an idea of what is needed, who is available and allow management to put a plan in place to bridge any gaps. The study concluded that succession planning does not have to be a complicated, time-consuming endeavor but, understanding the key principles of an effective succession planning and management initiative and working with experienced employees who have a proven track record to ensure that this critical initiative meets all of the university’s objectives