Who Will Follow? A Configurational Study of Next-Generation Career Intentions in Family Firms

Succession in family firms is a critical yet uncertain process, as many next-generation members choose career paths other than taking over the family business, such as founding independent ventures or pursuing employment elsewhere. Building on a multilevel and configurational perspective, this work-in-progress study examines how combinations of individual, family, and firm-level conditions shape next-generation career intentions. Using crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA), we analyze survey data from 57 next-generation members of family firms in Italy and Mexico. Seven causal conditions are considered, capturing individual involvement and generational position, family involvement and support, and perceived economic and socio- environmental firm performance. Preliminary findings reveal multiple equifinal configurations associated with three alternative career intentions—succession, founding, and external employment—highlighting that no single condition is sufficient to explain these choices. The study aims to contribute to the succession and family business literature by advancing a configurational understanding of next-generation career pathways.