The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Successful Succession in Philanthropic Family Organizations

December 3, 2025

The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Successful Succession in Philanthropic Family Organizations

J. Todd Nichols | 2023

Abstract

Successful succession in philanthropic family organizations was analyzed through the lens of transformational leadership theory. The methodology used was a hermeneutic guided interview approach. Nine participants from four philanthropic family organizations participated in the research. In vivo coding, based in grounded theory methodology, was used to analyze each narrative. The coding stages follow: open coding (to see what themes emerge), axial coding (to ascertain the linkages between these themes), and selective coding (to make sense of the megathemes and examine the work from a holistic view). Eighteen noteworthy codes with three subcodes were identified. From these codes, three megathemes emerged: values, factors shaping succession, and leadership. Selective coding identified three primary themes: spirituality, strength of family relationships (loving, nurturing relationships, and communication), and succession as an elemental and organic process. Finally, these three megathemes were analyzed through the lens of transformational leadership theory attributes of individualize consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and idealized influence. The analysis found that aspects of transformational leadership were observed in each philanthropic family organization. However, transformational leadership was not the only leadership style identified. Ultimately, successful succession occurred through the strength of family relationships, aspects of spirituality based in orthodoxy or orthopraxy, and that succession was an elemental and organic process.

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