Identifying the most important factors affecting succession management in organizations with a meta-analysis approach

This study aimed at identifying the most important factors affecting succession planning in organizations and categorize these factors by measuring their effect size based on previous research. It was a descriptive applied study. The measurement tool of this research was a meta-analysis checklist. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the effect size method using meta-analysis software (CMA2). In this regard, the articles of the last ten years were searched in reputable domestic and foreign scientific databases in this field according to the relevant keywords, and based on specific internal criteria, 27 domestic and foreign articles were selected for review and analysis. The results led to the identification of 53 factors affecting succession management in organizations, of which 41 were significant factors. Finally, 23 factors with high impact on succession management were identified. These included: change management and process management, preparation and planning, career path management, intergenerational succession, managers' competence, justice, rational decision-making style and motivational factor. Therefore, it is recommended that organizations consider the most important factors for providing purposeful decision making to implement the succession plan and optimal growth and development.