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IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC.

, 2024

BUILDING LEADERS FOR TOMORROW: A COMPREHENSIVE


SUCCESSION PLANNING MODEL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTIONS

DENNIS C. CAMATOG, DBA, LPT, FMERU, FMERC1, JAY A. SARIO, DBA, PD-SML2
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9221-29371, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4755-35102
camatog.dennis@paranaquecitycollege.edu.ph1, sario.jay@paranaquecitycollege.edu.ph2
Parañaque City College
Coastal Road Corner Victor Medina Street, San Dionisio, Parañaque City

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54476/ioer-imrj/692580

ABSTRACT

This study delves into the practice of succession planning in higher education institutions, with a particular
focus on the localized context of the Province of Cavite, Philippines. Employing a grounded theory research
design, the study utilizes structured interviews as its primary research method to extract insights from key
personnel directly. The investigation centers on the key attributes, including organizational commitment,
skills assessment, talent evaluation, leadership development, selection processes, transition
implementation, and integration of succession planning. The findings uncovered a spectrum of
commitment levels among personnel, identified skill gaps in potential successors, underscored limitations
in leadership development initiatives, and highlighted the subjective nature of leadership selection criteria.
A crucial observation was the misalignment between the goals of succession planning and the broader
institutional objectives. However, it's important to note that the qualitative approach adopted in this study
may limit the generalizability of its findings. In conclusion, this research underscores the significant role of
organizational culture in effective succession planning, offers practical recommendations applicable to
higher education institutions globally, and calls for further research in this area. The study's uniqueness
lies in its localized perspective, comprehensive objectives, and contribution to understanding the influence
of organizational culture in the context of succession planning within the higher education sector.

Keywords: Educational Leadership and Management; Succession Planning, Organizational Culture;


Grounded Theory, Structured Interviews; Province of Cavite, Philippines.

the pivotal role played by competent academic


INTRODUCTION leaders. However, the notable scarcity of
succession planning initiatives in higher education
Succession planning stands as a proactive
underscores the necessity for more in-depth
strategy crucial for sustaining effective leadership
research to unravel how current leaders are
within organizations, ensuring the identification
identified and prepared.
and development of individuals poised for future
The frequent resort to external hiring for key
leadership roles. In higher education institutions,
positions, driven by the dearth of qualified internal
this practice becomes particularly imperative given
P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com
Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
52
IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC., 2024
candidates, often leaves deserving talents within process. Birnbaum (2011) contributed
the organization disenfranchised. This dearth of valuable insights through case studies by
succession planning in higher education examining leadership transitions in higher
institutions exacerbates the risk of leadership education institutions and shedding light on the
gaps, posing a potential threat to the institution's intricacies and challenges faced during succession
long-term success and sustainability. planning. Dean et al. (2018) delved into the existing
This study holds paramount significance as practices and future requirements of succession
it has the potential to offer higher education planning, highlighting the potential integration of
institutions a profound understanding of the critical technology to optimize leadership transitions.
importance of succession planning in ensuring Jones and Wilkins (2016) provided a qualitative
effective leadership. By comprehending the pivotal exploration of succession planning, uncovering
role that succession planning plays, higher common themes and effective strategies in higher
education institutions can proactively strategize for education.
leadership transitions, thereby perpetuating Moreover, this study adopted a grounded
effective leadership and contributing significantly to theory research design, setting it apart. Grounded
the sustained success of the institution. theory emphasizes generating an idea directly
Previous research by Roman (2016) from the data collected during interviews with key
emphasized the need for succession planning personnel in the higher education institution. In
when handling organizational changes and contrast, the previous studies may have relied on
transitions, especially in the then-current volatile different research methodologies, potentially
economic climate. The American Council on leading to variations in the depth and relevance of
Education (2018) supported succession planning their findings.
to develop a pipeline of future leaders in Furthermore, the current study's
educational institutions, ensuring sustainability and comprehensive objectives encompassed various
achieving long-term goals. Bornstein (2010) attributes, including organizational commitment,
highlighted the necessity of supervision and skills assessment, talent evaluation, leadership
support from key stakeholders for successful development activities, leadership selection,
succession planning in higher education. Unlike transition implementation, and succession
the previous three studies, this research takes a planning integration. This thorough exploration of
localized approach by focusing on higher multiple factors influencing succession planning
education institutions in the Province of Cavite. had been unique compared to the more specific
While Roman (2016), the American Council on concentration of the previous works.
Education (2018), and Bornstein (2010) provided This study explored the assessment of key
valuable insights into succession planning, their personnel in higher education institutions located
broader perspectives needed to offer the depth of in the Province of Cavite regarding succession
understanding that came from studying a specific planning. The study investigated attributes such as
institution's practices and challenges. organizational commitment, skills and
The current study on succession planning competencies, talent assessment, leadership
in higher education was drawn from a development activities, leadership selection,
comprehensive range of literature to enhance its implementation of transition, and integration of
understanding of this critical organizational succession planning.

P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com


Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
53
IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC., 2024
The research was conducted at higher The participants in this study consisted
education institutions in the Province of Cavite. The of seven co-participants, who were carefully
data collection process spanned from November 2, selected for their roles as decision-makers and
planners in their respective institutions. Structured
2022, to November 14, 2022.
interviews served as the primary data collection
This study aimed to assess the critical instrument, designed to explore various attributes
personnel's perspectives on succession planning related to succession planning, such as
in higher education institutions in the Province of organizational commitment, skills and
Cavite, identifying attributes and practices that had competencies, talent evaluation, leadership
contributed to effective leadership continuity and development activities, leadership selection,
development. transition implementation, and succession
planning integration.
To ensure the appropriateness and clarity
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY of the interview questions, they underwent
construction, try-out, and refinement stages.
This study endeavors to explore the Reliability and validity tests were conducted to
nuanced dimensions of effective leadership validate the instrument's consistency and accuracy
continuity within higher education institutions by in measuring the intended attributes, enhancing
pursuing specific objectives related to succession the study's rigor.
planning. The primary aims of this research This research also adhered to ethical
encompass the following key objectives: firstly, to principles, as informed consent or assent was
obtained from all participants, and clearance was
assess the levels of organizational commitment
secured from an ethics review board to safeguard
among key personnel within these institutions; the welfare of human subjects.
secondly, to conduct a thorough evaluation of the The data collection involved interviews with
skills and competencies of potential successors, the identified co-participants, gathering rich and
aiming to identify strengths and areas requiring firsthand perspectives on the institution's
improvement; thirdly, to identify and nurture talent succession planning practices. Subsequently,
within the institutional framework, emphasizing qualitative data analysis techniques, such as
thematic or content analysis, were applied to
leadership development; and fourthly, to
identify patterns and themes in the interview
investigate the seamless integration of succession responses.
planning into the overarching strategic objectives
of the institution. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

METHODOLOGY This study, titled "Building Leaders for


Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession
This study adopted grounded theory as its Planning Model for Higher Education Institutions,"
research design, emphasizing the generation of a
examines succession planning practices within
theory closely connected to the data collected from
key personnel in higher education institutions in the specific higher education institutions in Cavite. The
Province of Cavite. Unlike previous studies that research objectives are centered on evaluating
offered broader perspectives, this research took a organizational commitment, conducting a thorough
localized approach, providing in-depth insights into assessment of the skills and competencies of
succession planning practices within this academic potential successors, identifying and evaluating
setting. talent, exploring various leadership development
activities, and scrutinizing the integration of
P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com
Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
54
IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC., 2024
succession planning with overarching strategic The co-participants have a range of
management. Through this focused investigation, perceptions about their skills and competencies as
the study aims to illuminate the intricacies of leaders. The statements express various levels of
succession planning within the specified confidence in their abilities, from feeling fully
educational context, providing valuable insights for equipped to struggling to keep up with
the cultivation of effective leadership in the future. responsibilities. Some statements also identify
specific areas where the employee could use more
1. Organizational Commitment development such as technical or interpersonal
skills, while others speak to the employee
The co-participants have a range of levels continuously seeking opportunities to learn and
of commitment to the organization from highly grow, and a diverse range of skills being available.
committed to not committed, and also include The findings emphasize the dynamic
nuances such as a belief in the organization's nature of leadership skills, with individuals
mission and values, a desire for improvement recognizing both strengths and areas that require
within the organization, a sense of loyalty or development. The commitment to continuous
identification, and the importance of job stability learning suggests a proactive approach to skill
and benefits. Some statements express enhancement.
uncertainty about the level of commitment to the
organization.
This range in commitment underscores the 3. Talent Identification and Development
complex nature of organizational allegiance,
influenced by factors such as personal values, job Concerning the assessment of talent, the
satisfaction, and perceived organizational support. co-participants provided their perception of their
The study revealed that organizational leadership abilities and potential for growth as a
commitment varied among key personnel, with leader. Some statements express confidence in
some showing high dedication to the institution their natural abilities, such as excellent
while others expressed concerns about leadership communication skills and the ability to inspire and
continuity. The assessment of the skills and motivate others. while others express uncertainty
competencies of potential successors identified or recognition that they have room for growth and
areas for improvement, particularly in certain development. Some statements express that they
leadership aspects such as decision-making and are actively seeking opportunities to learn and
communication. The evaluation of talent develop their leadership skills. Some statement
highlighted promising employees with significant also points out the balance of both natural abilities
potential for growth as future leaders, providing and growth potential.
opportunities for their development within the The co-participants have identified a range
organization. Leadership development activities of potential leadership development activities that
were limited, requiring more structured training and could help prepare potential successors for
mentorship programs. leadership roles. The statements suggest various
leadership development programs such as
2. Skills and Competencies workshops and seminars, job rotation and cross-

P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com


Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
55
IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC., 2024
functional assignments, mentorship, coaching and planning goals with the institution's overall
retreats, rotational assignments and projects, strategic objectives. This lack of alignment
and shadowing experienced leaders. These hindered the effectiveness of succession planning
various methods provide a diverse way of learning, as a holistic management strategy.
hands-on experience, focused and immersive International literature supports the
learning, individualized support and guidance, and significance of succession planning in
observing leadership in action. organizational management, highlighting the need
The balance between recognizing current to adapt to changes and transitions in today's
abilities and acknowledging growth potential volatile economic climate (Roman, 2016). The
highlights a holistic view of talent. The identified American Council on Education (2018)
development activities reflect a comprehensive emphasizes the importance of succession
approach to nurturing leadership skills and planning to ensure a sustainable pipeline of future
fostering growth. leaders in educational institutions. Bornstein
(2010) underscores the necessity of supervision
4. Integration of Succession Planning and support from key stakeholders for successful
succession planning in higher education.
Concerning the importance of an effective Using grounded theory as the research
succession planning process for an organization, design in this study provided a valuable, in-depth
the statements suggest that succession planning understanding of succession planning in the
should be integrated into various aspects of the specific institution. However, relying solely on
organization's overall strategy, such as the qualitative data may have limited the
strategic planning process, performance generalizability of the findings to other higher
management and development, talent education institutions. Quantitative data could have
management, and regular review by leadership. enhanced the study's robustness and allowed for
The succession planning process should be broader comparisons.
collaborative and involve key stakeholders, such The study’s comprehensive objectives
as senior leadership and HR. It should be regularly effectively covered various attributes of succession
reviewed and updated to align with the current and planning, but some objectives might have
future needs of the business and have a clear benefited from further refinement to ensure specific
process for identifying, evaluating, and supporting and measurable outcomes. Additionally, the
potential successors. Overall, it should be seen as selection process to identify potential successors
a priority for the organization, and regularly could have been strengthened by incorporating
discussed and reviewed by the leadership level. objective criteria and systematic evaluations.
This underscores the strategic nature of
succession planning, not as a standalone process CONCLUSIONS
but as an integral part of organizational strategy.
Regular discussions and reviews at the leadership This study employing grounded theory as
level reflect the continuous and collaborative the research design, thoroughly investigated the
nature of effective succession planning. succession planning practices of a specific higher
Regarding the integration of succession planning, education institution in the Province of Cavite. The
the study identified a gap in aligning succession localized insights obtained shed light on key

P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com


Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
56
IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC., 2024
aspects of leadership continuity within this positive work environment. This commitment
academic setting. is crucial for effective succession planning.
The research revealed varying levels of Secondly, investing in comprehensive leadership
organizational commitment among crucial development programs for potential successors,
personnel, a factor significantly influencing including training and mentorship, is vital.
succession planning outcomes. Additionally, the International collaboration can enhance these
assessment of skills and competencies among programs. Thirdly, adopting objective and
potential successors pinpointed areas in need of transparent criteria for selecting leaders ensures
improvement, emphasizing the necessity for better organizational performance. Additionally,
targeted leadership development activities. strong integration of succession planning into
A noteworthy finding of the study was the strategic management aligns goals with long-term
profound impact of organizational culture on objectives. Knowledge sharing and collaboration
succession planning outcomes. The institution's within the international higher education
unique culture emerged as a critical factor shaping community can contribute to effective leadership
employees' commitment and engagement in continuity. Cross-cultural studies are encouraged
succession planning efforts, a dimension not to understand how cultural contexts impact
extensively explored in existing literature. succession planning. The study underscores that
The contribution of this research lies in its success in succession planning depends not only
revelation of the pivotal role of organizational on formal processes but also on intangible factors
culture in effective succession planning, a like organizational culture. Effective leadership
dimension that remains underexplored in current continuity necessitates fostering an environment
literature. In conclusion, the study offers valuable valuing talent development, continuous learning,
insights into the succession planning practices of and shared vision. Implementing these
the higher education institution under scrutiny, recommendations requires a holistic approach,
encompassing organizational commitment, skills considering each institution's unique context,
assessment, talent identification, leadership challenges, and goals. Regular evaluation,
development, selection processes, transition plan feedback loops, and flexibility are essential for
implementation, and strategic integration. These adapting strategies to changing circumstances.
findings guide enhancing succession planning The study advocates ongoing research and
practices in higher education, ensuring robust and collaboration within the field of succession
sustainable leadership for the institution's planning in higher education, emphasizing
continued success. localized studies, cross-cultural comparisons, and
exploration of innovative strategies to enrich the
understanding of succession planning intricacies
RECOMMENDATIONS and potential. In conclusion, effective succession
Based on the study's findings, several planning is a multifaceted endeavor requiring
recommendations emerge with global implications strategic alignment and continuous adaptation,
for higher education institutions. Firstly, institutions ensuring seamless transitions, institutional
should prioritize fostering a culture of commitment momentum, and long-term success.
and engagement by offering professional
development opportunities and promoting a
P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com
Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
57
IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC., 2024
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P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com


Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
58
IOER INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, VOL. 6, NO. 4, DEC., 2024
Roman, L. D. (2016). Succession planning in family- Administration and Public Administration from
owned businesses. Journal of Business and Laguna Northwestern College. Currently serving
Management, 18(1), 11-16.
as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at
Paranaque City College, he holds teaching
Rosser, V. J. (2019). Women's succession to the
presidency in higher education: A case study positions at institutions like the University of
analysis. Journal of Women and Minorities in Perpetual Help System Dalta and Philippine
Science and Engineering, 25(1), 33-53. Christian University Manila. Dr. Sario is an
accomplished assessor and trainer at the
Rothwell, W. (2015). Effective Succession Planning: Technical Education and Skills Development
Ensuring Leadership Continuity and Building Talent
from Within. Authority, contributing significantly to the field.
Actively engaged in professional organizations, he
Smith, J. (2020). Succession Planning Strategies in is recognized as a Fellow in Business Education by
Higher Education: A Case Study of University X. the Philippine Academy of Professionals and a
Journal of Educational Leadership, 35(2), 123-140. member of the Philippine Council of Deans and
doi:10.1080/12345678.2020.12345
Educators in Business. As an esteemed editorial
board member of the International Journal of
AUTHORS’ PROFILE Academe and Industry Research, he continues to
Dr. Dennis C. Camatog is a distinguished make meaningful contributions to academia,
educator, accomplished leader, and prolific exemplified by his co-authorship in ISI and Scopus
researcher dedicated to advancing education. Journals, peer-reviewed journals, and books.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational
COPYRIGHTS
Management, he actively engages in
groundbreaking research on innovative leadership.
Copyright of this article is retained by the
With a diverse educational background, including author/s, with first publication rights granted to
a DBA and MBA, Dr. Camatog has served critical IIMRJ. This is an open-access article distributed
roles in academia, receiving accolades such as under the terms and conditions of the Creative
Outstanding Alumnus. His extensive research Commons Attribution – Noncommercial 4.0
portfolio spans leadership, innovation, and International License (http://creative
strategic management. Beyond academia, he commons.org/licenses/by/4).
contributes to societal development and currently
serves as Vice-President for Research, Innovation,
Extension, and Linkages in Parañaque City. Dr.
Camatog's life embodies an unwavering
commitment to education and leadership.

Dr. Jay A. Sario is a distinguished


professional with a Doctorate in Business
Administration from the University of Perpetual
Help System Dalta. His academic journey includes
a Post-Doctoral Program at Philippine Christian
University and dual Master's degrees in Business
P – ISSN 2651 - 7701 | E – ISSN 2651 – 771X | www.ioer-imrj.com
Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Education, Engineering, and Technology (ICEET), 29 – 30 September 2023, Grand Mercure
Singapore Roxy Hotel, Singapore
CAMATOG, D.C., SARIO, J.A., Building Leaders for Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Succession Planning Model for Higher
Education Institutions, pp. 52 - 59
59

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