Effects of Intra-Family Relationship on Post – Succession Performance of Selected Family Businesses in North East Nigeria

One major problem faced by many businesses and indeed family-owned businesses is the issue of transition. For a family-owned business, generational change is a matter of concern as a small mistake in the selection of a successor could seriously affect the survival and performance of the business. This study examined the effect of intra-family relationship on the post- succession performance of selected family-owned businesses in the North East Nigeria. The study used primary data with the aid of questionnaire collected from one hundred and nine (109) family-owned businesses. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The study found that intra-family relationship is a significant determinant of post- succession performance of family-owned businesses in the North East on aggregate level. On the specific level, both level of trust and lack of conflict have significant effects while, personal quality of family members though exerting positive influence, has no statistical significance. These findings imply that when a family has a close relationship, members work weather to improve the performance of their family business. In line with the findings, this study recommends for a closer tie among family members in a succession period. This could create better ideas for a better business performance after succession.