An Investigation into Factors that Drive Intergenerational Family Members’ Entrepreneurial Spirit: Enhancing Smooth Succession in Family Businesses in Botswana

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how the current curricula at universities affect succession in family businesses. The study will explore whether entrepreneurial orientation can be enhanced for successors to family businesses in Botswana by use of well researched university curriculum or there are other forces at play. The study is guided by the research objective of establishing if there is any better way of transmitting entrepreneurial skills from one generation to another. The study is based on literature review and field study to either accept or reject three hypotheses that, (1) There are quantifiable factors which smoothens intergenerational transitions and (2) Non-citizens are more inclined to go through successful transition than citizens because of the superiority of curriculum (3) primary level curriculum is the ultimate decider of the smoothness in the intergenerational succession in family businesses. Findings are likely to reveal that entrepreneurial training must be infused into primary education curriculum for it to produce effective succession impact. Succession outcomes are less determined by the nature of curricula that students are subjected to at the university and tertiary levels. It will be recommended that family businesses should religiously analyse succession factors and subject the stakeholders to some rigorous training as a solution to family business succession.