After returning from studying in Japan in 2010, Wei Sun joined the family business and started as a salesperson. In 2022, he became the general manager and am currently in charge of the overall operation of four factories in China and one factory in Thailand under the group.
Wei Sun defended his Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (EDBA) in October 2025, on the theme “Research on the Core Influencing Factors of Successful Inheritance of Family Enterprises in China”, under the supervision of Professor Francois Goxe, Professor at the University of Nice Côte d’Azur (France).
Thesis Direction
Prof Goxe François
Thesis Title
Research on the Influencing Factors of Successful Inheritance of Family Enterprises in China
Abstract
Family businesses represent a substantial segment of the global economy, characterized by unique management dynamics and succession challenges. Understanding the mechanisms of successful succession is critical as these enterprises transition between generations, which is often a vulnerable period that can determine the future viability of the business. This research aims to dissect the complex factors influencing succession planning in family businesses, employing SPSS26 to ensure robust data analysis, thus providing empirical insights into the interplay between personal, organizational, and environmental factors that shape succession outcomes.
This study employs SPSS26 to perform a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing succession in family enterprises, analyzing the kurtosis, skewness, reliability, and validity of the data to confirm the questionnaire’s efficacy. Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, followed by correlation analysis and ANOVA, the research categorizes influential factors into incumbent factors, successor factors, interpersonal relationships, organizational strategies, and environmental influences.
The empirical findings from 141 valid questionnaires reveal that incumbent factors, particularly personality and willingness to transition, have varying impacts across different stages of the business lifecycle, with significant influences noted as businesses mature. Successor factors, including readiness and competence, are critical for effective succession, emphasizing the need for alignment with the business’s strategic goals during transitional phases. Furthermore, the strength and transparency of interpersonal relationships between incumbents and successors are vital for facilitating successful knowledge transfer and succession readiness.
Organizational strategies that integrate succession planning within the broader business framework prove crucial for continuity, highlighting the importance of strategic alignment with business development. Environmental factors, such as cultural, socio-ethical, and legal contexts, also significantly impact succession outcomes, necessitating culturally sensitive approaches to succession planning.
Overall, the study underscores the complex, multifaceted nature of family business succession and advocates for a holistic approach that encompasses not only individual and organizational readiness but also considers the broader environmental context to ensure long-term sustainability and success across generations. This research contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of family business succession, offering a strategic framework applicable to both academics and practitioners involved in organizational development and family business management.