CHANGE OF GENERATIONS IN HUNGARIAN FAMILY BUSINESSES AS A COMPLEX PROBLEM - FROM EDUCATIONAL POINT OF VIEW

Abstract

For nearly a decade, the first publications in Hungarian literature have appeared and highlighted that the founders of family businesses have to be prepared for the change of generation. Family businesses takes about 60% of the Hungarian SME sector, and approximately 40% of them is involved or will be involved in the generational change (the transfer or takeover has already taken in the family or will happen in the near future). In contrast, according to the latest researches, only one third of the family businesses are dealing with the issue of succession. The time is running dangerously. The process of succession must begin because the planned smooth transition takes years, while the company has to be prepared for the global challenges of digitalisation for long-term survival.

Is the knowledge available that enables professional generation change? Does easy access knowledge, best practice, theoretical background support, motivate the founders and the successors during the process?

The aim of the research ‒ after defining family businesses and presenting the theory of generational change ‒ is to summarize the IT systems, management methods, educational programs and Internet resources that exist and facilitate the process of generational change.

As our methods, basically, we applied literature analysis and desk research. Examining the educational areas of generational change, we explore international and domestic, online and “coach” leadership trainings. We find that in Hungary there is only a small number of methodically demanding tools and programs that could prepare family companies for the change of generations.