How Daughters Become Successors

The publication WIFU_compact_24: ‘How Daughters Become Successors’ (2023) by the WIFU Foundation analyses the conditions under which daughters in entrepreneurial families embark on a path to operational succession, highlighting both structural and family-dynamic influencing factors. Against the backdrop of empirical findings regarding the persistently low representation of women in leadership positions within large family businesses, the report demonstrates that formal equality does not automatically lead to equal opportunities for succession.

The publication highlights that female succession processes are strongly shaped by role models, intergenerational expectations and conflicts of loyalty within the family. Particular attention is paid to the influences of the mothers’ and grandmothers’ generations, as well as to the lack of female role models. In addition, typical obstacles are identified, arising from life plans, relationship choices, mobility issues and the challenge of balancing family life with a leadership role.

This publication is based on the academic article „Daughters as Successors – An Attractive Option“ by Tom Rüsen and Monika Nadler (2022) and presents its key findings in a concise, practical format. In conclusion, it is emphasised that successful female succession not only promotes individual careers, but also sends a strong signal regarding corporate culture, employer attractiveness and the long-term sustainability of family businesses.