Organizational culture and business succession in a clinical analysis laboratory

A family business’ vision of the future is marked by an organizational culture based on principles established by the values of its founder. When such an organization goes through a succession process, many conflicts can arise, especially if the manner in which the process occurs is sudden and the transition team unprepared. This study evaluated the impact on the organizational culture of a clinical laboratory facing a succession process after over 40 years of continuous operation in the city of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil. A comparative study of employees’ perceptions regarding the management change was based on data gathered through a structured questionnaire to which all employees in the workplace responded. The perception of members of the business unit was positive with regard to a well-planned succession process that would impose no sudden changes on the organization’s culture.