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Utah Business Law

Utah Business Law

Utah Business Law

This is a part of our Business Law series.

Utah business law is a set of statutes, regulations, and court decisions that govern business practices within the state of Utah. It encompasses the full range of legal topics including business formation, antitrust laws, unfair trade practices, business entity formation, project management, deceptive trade practices, hour laws, consumer protection, vertical price fixing, actual damages, and more. It is important for businesses of all sizes to understand Utah business law and how it applies to them in order to remain compliant and protect their interests. We’ve previously discussed business succession law and the Utah Uniform Partnership Act.

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Business Formation

Forming a business in Utah requires careful consideration of the various laws, regulations, and taxes that the business must adhere to. There are several different types of business entities that can be formed in the state, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Each of these business entities carries different benefits and liabilities, and businesses should consult with a business attorney to determine which is right for their particular situation.

Antitrust Laws

The Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, and the Federal Trade Commission Act are all essential antitrust laws that businesses must comply with in Utah. These laws are designed to protect competition and prevent price-fixing and other anti-competitive practices. Businesses must ensure that they are in compliance with these laws in order to avoid costly civil and criminal penalties.

Additional Articles on Business Law

We have also posted the following articles regarding the topic of business law:

Corporate Criminal Liability

What Is A Tender In Business Law?

AI Business Consultant

Business Credit

Due Diligence

Tax Law

Commercial Law

Litigation

Unfair Trade Practices

Under Utah law, unfair trade practices are defined as any act or practice that is likely to mislead or deceive a consumer. This includes false or misleading advertising, deceptive pricing, bait and switch tactics, and any other deceptive practices. Businesses that engage in unfair trade practices can be subject to civil and criminal penalties, as well as actual damages.

Business Entity Formation

When forming a business entity in Utah, it is important to understand the different legal considerations that must be taken into account. The state of Utah requires businesses to register with the state and obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Additionally, businesses must choose a business name and ensure that it is not already in use. Once the business is registered, it must adhere to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Project Management

Project management is an essential component of any business in Utah. Businesses must manage their projects effectively in order to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget. Businesses should consult with a business attorney to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Deceptive Trade Practices

Deceptive trade practices include any act or practice that is likely to mislead or deceive a consumer. This includes false or misleading advertising, deceptive pricing, bait and switch tactics, and other deceptive practices. In Utah, businesses that engage in deceptive trade practices can be subject to civil and criminal penalties, as well as actual damages.

Hour Laws

Under Utah law, employers must comply with the state’s hour laws, which are designed to protect employees from unfair or excessive working hours. These laws include restrictions on the number of hours an employee can work in a given shift, overtime pay, and other restrictions. Employers must ensure that they are in compliance with these laws in order to avoid legal trouble.

Consumer Protection

The state of Utah has a number of laws designed to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair practices. These laws include the Utah Consumer Protection Act, the Utah Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and the Utah Unfair Sales Practices and Consumer Protection Act. These laws are designed to prevent businesses from engaging in deceptive or unfair practices, and businesses must ensure that they are in compliance in order to avoid costly penalties.

Vertical Price Fixing

Vertical price fixing is a form of antitrust violation in which a business sets a price for a product or service that is higher than what the market would normally bear. This practice is illegal in Utah, and businesses that engage in it can be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

Actual Damages

Actual damages are a form of monetary compensation that a business may be required to pay for violating a consumer’s rights. These damages can include lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs associated with the violation. Businesses must be aware of their potential liability for actual damages in order to protect themselves from costly lawsuits.

Free Consultation

Businesses in Utah can benefit from a free consultation with a business attorney. A business lawyer can provide advice and guidance on the various legal considerations that must be taken into account when forming a business, such as business formation, antitrust laws, unfair trade practices, business entity formation, project management, deceptive trade practices, hour laws, consumer protection, vertical price fixing, actual damages, and more. Additionally, a business lawyer can help businesses to understand the various legal documents they will need to file in order to remain compliant with state and federal laws.

Businesses in Utah should also consider consulting with a business attorney for any legal advice or assistance that they may need. Whether it is legal advice about forming a business, setting up an LLC, or understanding the antitrust laws that apply to their business, an experienced business attorney can provide invaluable assistance. Additionally, many business attorneys offer free initial consultations, so businesses can get an idea of what legal advice they may need without any financial obligation.

Lawyer Jeremy Eveland

Jeremy Eveland is a Utah business attorney that focuses in business formation, business law, advertising law, real estate law and estate planning and probate cases. The firm offers free consultations to businesses, as well as comprehensive services such as business entity formation, project management, antitrust laws, unfair trade practices, consumer protection, vertical price fixing, actual damages, advertising law, compliance issues, business consulting, performance coaching, and more. Jeremy Eveland has a business degree and a law degree so he is also able to provide legal services such as business formation, LLC formation, and business entity formation. Additionally, he offers services such as intellectual property protection, contract review, and dispute resolution.

Utah Pyramid Scheme Law

The Utah Pyramid Scheme law is a consumer protection law that protects consumers from deceptive and unfair trade practices. The law is designed to protect consumers from false or misleading advertising, deceptive pricing, bait and switch tactics, and other deceptive practices. Businesses must ensure that they are in compliance with this law in order to avoid legal trouble.

Minimum Wage Laws

The state of Utah has a minimum wage law that requires employers to pay employees a certain minimum wage. This law is designed to protect employees from unfair and exploitative labor practices, and businesses must comply with it in order to avoid civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, employers must ensure that they are in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in order to avoid costly fines and penalties.

Legal Help or Tips

Businesses in Utah should take the time to understand the various laws and regulations that apply to their business. Additionally, businesses should consult with a business attorney for any legal advice or assistance that they may need. Finally, businesses should ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in order to protect their interests and avoid costly penalties.

Utah Business Lawyer Free Consultation

When you need a Utah business attorney, call Jeremy D. Eveland, MBA, JD (801) 613-1472.

Jeremy Eveland
17 North State Street
Lindon UT 84042
(801) 613-1472

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Areas We Serve

We serve businesses and business owners for succession planning in the following locations:

Business Succession Lawyer Salt Lake City Utah

Business Succession Lawyer West Jordan Utah

Business Succession Lawyer St. George Utah

Business Succession Lawyer West Valley City Utah

Business Succession Lawyer Provo Utah

Business Succession Lawyer Sandy Utah

Business Succession Lawyer Orem Utah

Business Transaction Lawyer Salt Lake City Utah

Utah

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
 

Coordinates39°N 111°W

Utah
State of Utah
Nickname(s)

“Beehive State” (official), “The Mormon State”, “Deseret”
Motto

Industry
Anthem: “Utah…This Is the Place
Map of the United States with Utah highlighted

Map of the United States with Utah highlighted
Country United States
Before statehood Utah Territory
Admitted to the Union January 4, 1896 (45th)
Capital
(and largest city)
Salt Lake City
Largest metro and urban areas Salt Lake City
Government

 
 • Governor Spencer Cox (R)
 • Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson (R)
Legislature State Legislature
 • Upper house State Senate
 • Lower house House of Representatives
Judiciary Utah Supreme Court
U.S. senators Mike Lee (R)
Mitt Romney (R)
U.S. House delegation 1Blake Moore (R)
2Chris Stewart (R)
3John Curtis (R)
4Burgess Owens (R) (list)
Area

 
 • Total 84,899 sq mi (219,887 km2)
 • Land 82,144 sq mi (212,761 km2)
 • Water 2,755 sq mi (7,136 km2)  3.25%
 • Rank 13th
Dimensions

 
 • Length 350 mi (560 km)
 • Width 270 mi (435 km)
Elevation

 
6,100 ft (1,860 m)
Highest elevation

13,534 ft (4,120.3 m)
Lowest elevation

2,180 ft (664.4 m)
Population

 (2020)
 • Total 3,271,616[4]
 • Rank 30th
 • Density 36.53/sq mi (14.12/km2)
  • Rank 41st
 • Median household income

 
$60,365[5]
 • Income rank

 
11th
Demonym Utahn or Utahan[6]
Language

 
 • Official language English
Time zone UTC−07:00 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−06:00 (MDT)
USPS abbreviation
UT
ISO 3166 code US-UT
Traditional abbreviation Ut.
Latitude 37° N to 42° N
Longitude 109°3′ W to 114°3′ W
Website utah.gov
hideUtah state symbols
Flag of Utah.svg

Seal of Utah.svg
Living insignia
Bird California gull
Fish Bonneville cutthroat trout[7]
Flower Sego lily
Grass Indian ricegrass
Mammal Rocky Mountain Elk
Reptile Gila monster
Tree Quaking aspen
Inanimate insignia
Dance Square dance
Dinosaur Utahraptor
Firearm Browning M1911
Fossil Allosaurus
Gemstone Topaz
Mineral Copper[7]
Rock Coal[7]
Tartan Utah State Centennial Tartan
State route marker
Utah state route marker
State quarter
Utah quarter dollar coin

Released in 2007
Lists of United States state symbols

Utah (/ˈjuːtɑː/ YOO-tah/ˈjuːtɔː/ (listen) YOO-taw) is a landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States. It is bordered to its east by Colorado, to its northeast by Wyoming, to its north by Idaho, to its south by Arizona, and to its west by Nevada. Utah also touches a corner of New Mexico in the southeast. Of the fifty U.S. states, Utah is the 13th-largest by area; with a population over three million, it is the 30th-most-populous and 11th-least-densely populated. Urban development is mostly concentrated in two areas: the Wasatch Front in the north-central part of the state, which is home to roughly two-thirds of the population and includes the capital city, Salt Lake City; and Washington County in the southwest, with more than 180,000 residents.[8] Most of the western half of Utah lies in the Great Basin.

Utah has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups such as the ancient Puebloans, Navajo and Ute. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive in the mid-16th century, though the region’s difficult geography and harsh climate made it a peripheral part of New Spain and later Mexico. Even while it was Mexican territory, many of Utah’s earliest settlers were American, particularly Mormons fleeing marginalization and persecution from the United States. Following the Mexican–American War in 1848, the region was annexed by the U.S., becoming part of the Utah Territory, which included what is now Colorado and Nevada. Disputes between the dominant Mormon community and the federal government delayed Utah’s admission as a state; only after the outlawing of polygamy was it admitted in 1896 as the 45th.

People from Utah are known as Utahns.[9] Slightly over half of all Utahns are Mormons, the vast majority of whom are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which has its world headquarters in Salt Lake City;[10] Utah is the only state where a majority of the population belongs to a single church.[11] The LDS Church greatly influences Utahn culture, politics, and daily life,[12] though since the 1990s the state has become more religiously diverse as well as secular.

Utah has a highly diversified economy, with major sectors including transportation, education, information technology and research, government services, mining, and tourism. Utah has been one of the fastest growing states since 2000,[13] with the 2020 U.S. census confirming the fastest population growth in the nation since 2010. St. George was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States from 2000 to 2005.[14] Utah ranks among the overall best states in metrics such as healthcare, governance, education, and infrastructure.[15] It has the 14th-highest median average income and the least income inequality of any U.S. state. Over time and influenced by climate changedroughts in Utah have been increasing in frequency and severity,[16] putting a further strain on Utah’s water security and impacting the state’s economy.[17]

Business Succession Lawyer West Valley City Utah

Business Succession Lawyer West Valley City Utah

Business Succession Lawyer West Valley City Utah

Business Succession Lawyer West Valley City Utah

Do you need legal help with a succession plan for your business in West Valley City Utah? If you do, then you are at the right place. Attorney Jeremy Eveland helps businesses create succession plans for businesses and company owners in West Valley City UT. Call Jeremy Eveland today for your free business succession consultation at (801) 613-1472. Read this article for more information about business law.

Business succession involves transferring ownership, control, and management of a business from one generation to another. It can be accomplished through various methods such as stock transfers, wills, trusts, or other legal instruments. It is important to consult a lawyer or law firm to ensure that all necessary documents are prepared correctly. A will can outline how assets, including the option to purchase a business, should be distributed upon death. Life insurance policies and testamentary trusts can also be used for this purpose. An advanced directive, such as a living will, can provide instructions for health care decisions in case of incapacity, and personal liability protection can help protect family members from being held responsible for debts incurred by the deceased’s estate or business.

Proper business planning is essential for succession and includes creating employment contracts with key personnel who will take over management responsibilities, establishing retirement plans, purchasing appropriate insurance coverage, understanding intestacy laws (in case there is no valid will), and navigating probate proceedings if necessary. Finances must also be taken into account, including taxes on income generated by the company before its sale or transfer and any outstanding loans that need to be paid off at closing.

Succession planning requires careful consideration so that all parties involved feel secure about their future prospects within the organization when ownership changes hands, whether due to retirement, illness, disability, or death. This helps ensure continuity and financial stability during transition periods until new owners assume full responsibility for day-to-day operations.

Why Is Business Law So Important?

Business law is a section of code that is involved in protecting liberties and rights, maintaining orders, resolving disputes, and establishing standards for the business concerns and their dealings with government agencies and individuals. Every state defines its own set of regulations and laws for business organizations. Similarly, it is also the responsibility of the business concerns to know the existing rules and regulations applicable to them.

Importance of Business Law

Business law plays a vital role in regulating business practices in a country. Here are some points that prove why business law is so relevant:

Compensation Issues

Business law is essential to handle various compensation issues in an organization. A professional business attorney in Utah can help companies in settling issues related to compensation and salary management. It is the responsibility of the attorney to ensure that his or her client does not violate compensation and benefits laws at any cost. The consequences can be fatal in case of any discrepancies.

Safeguard the Rights of Shareholders

Business law plays a vital role when it comes to safeguarding the rights of a company’s shareholders. An experienced business law attorney can successfully handle such issues along with conflicts related to minority shareholders, constitutional documents, and resolution by arbitration, and more.

Business Formation

Business law plays the role of a foundation stone for any business concern. Establishing business includes a lot of legal processes, leasing, and permits. A business law attorney is well-versed with all the relevant regulations, and can help the concern establish its operations successfully.

What are the Functions of Business Law?

Every business concern, either large-scale or small-scale, is bound to comply with their respective legal regulations. Here are some significant functions of business law that can help you in understanding it better.

  • Includes laws related to business ethics, substantive law, procedural law, court system structure, and so on.
  • Business law entails the taxation system for different types of businesses.
  • The level of competition and antitrust are also involved.
  • Business law also includes regulations about employee rights and privileges, workplace safety, overtime rules, and minimum wages law.
  • It strives to alleviate the impact businesses have on the environment and nature. It aims to regulate pesticides, limit air and water pollution, chemical usage, and so on.
  • Business law determines the formal process of establishment of a business organization and regulations related to the selling of corporate entities.
  • It also includes rights assignment, drafting, and work delegations, breach of contract, transactions, contracts, and penalties for violation of the agreement.
  • Business law defines laws related to business partnerships, entities, sole proprietorships, liability companies, and corporations.
  • It describes laws related to business and real property.
  • Business law analyses the overall impact of computer technology on other business domains.
  • Includes laws related to bankruptcy and governance of the securities.

Purposes and Functions of Business Law

The purposes and functions of business law include maintaining order, protecting rights and liberties, establishing standards, and resolving disputes.3 min read

The purposes and functions of business law include maintaining order, protecting rights and liberties, establishing standards, and resolving disputes when it comes to businesses and their interactions with individuals, government agencies, and other businesses.

Purposes and Functions of Law

Establishing standards identifies what types of behavior are and are not accepted in society. For example, damage to person or property is considered a crime because it is not tolerated by society.

  • Maintaining order is necessary for a civilized society.
  • Resolving disputes allows for the mitigation of issues that arise between those with different wants, needs, views, and/or values. The court system is the formal legal method for resolving disputes and consists of both state and federal courts. Disputes can also be resolved through alternative dispute resolution, which are official but less formal methods such as mediation and arbitration.
  • Protecting liberties and rights ensures each individual is allowed his or her constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and so forth.
  • In addition to these four core functions, the law serves many other specialized functions.

Business Law Background

This practice area includes regulations and statutes related to businesses, individuals, and families in their roles as workers, citizens, and consumers. As business becomes increasingly globalized, the business laws of various governments and nations may be in conflict. It’s important for business owners to understand how business law impacts commerce both domestically and abroad.

Business law standards include having expectations for following laws of other countries, distinguishing between unethical and legal behavior, and establishing social responsibility as a cornerstone of global citizenship. Most recently, new areas of business law must navigate the effects of modern technology. In fact, computer law is even a subspecialty within business law because of its importance in this realm.

Functions of Commercial Law

Commercial law, a branch of civil law, comprises governance of commercial and business transactions in both the public and private realms. Areas of commercial law include land and sea transportation, agent and principal, merchant shipping, insurance, partnership, guarantees, corporate contracts, sale and manufacture of consumer goods, hiring practices, and bills of exchange.

Commercial law has developed substantially over the years, but in general, it is designed to allow those engaged in business flexibility to administer their business within legal guidelines. Legislation in this area is designed to promote free trade.

Reforms to the commercial code focus on identifying and correcting inconsistencies and gaps in the law. Courts can also look to other legal systems to find remedies to complex legal issues. For example, recent updates focus on the impact of technology on these areas and how it affects business dealings. However, more restrictive trade practices have also been introduced in the modern era.

Business Law and Peace of Mind for Entrepreneurs

Basically, business law is a set of guidelines that all businesses should consider to guarantee that business transactions are done fairly and with knowledge of what’s going on. Business law can help business owners avoid legal disputes or mishaps that might otherwise have happened without their knowledge and which could’ve been costly to the business owner in terms of time, money, and resources.

Business laws cover a wide range of topics such as hiring employees, protecting employees’ rights, business contracts, business property rights, business taxation, and business law in general.

Business Laws Protect You from Mistakes

We all make mistakes now and then. But when it comes to business law, the consequences can be especially devastating if you don’t know what you’re doing or are negligent about looking into your options before taking a particular step that might lead to major setbacks that could be detrimental to your business.

Business laws are a crucial part of running a successful business. It is important to understand the rules and regulations that govern your industry, as well as the legal consequences you could face if you do not adhere to them.

While it is easy to pay attention only when something goes wrong, taking time out for some self-education can help you avoid many costly mistakes in the future. The most effective way to learn about business law is by reading up on it yourself. However, there are also plenty of books and online resources available that provide valuable insight into this field without requiring too much effort from your end.

Consequences of Failing to Understand Business Laws

You’ve built a business, and you’re doing well. But are you aware of the laws that could protect your business from legal issues? The problem is that many entrepreneurs don’t have time to read about all the different rules in each country they operate in. That’s why it’s crucial for every entrepreneur to stay up-to-date with local regulations and understand how these rules can affect their businesses.

As an entrepreneur, you may not realize how many laws there are that protect you and your business. Many entrepreneurs aren’t aware of the laws in place to help them run their businesses legally and avoid legal issues. While this can be a good thing because it means less worry for you, it also means that some things could go wrong without your knowledge if someone else takes advantage of the situation.

The Importance of Getting to Know Business Laws More Intimately

In business, the more you know about business law and how it protects your business from possible issues, the better off you’ll be. Your business is likely subject to a number of different rules and regulations depending on the industry you belong to and what business structure you have.

The importance of understanding business law is often overlooked by business owners, but it shouldn’t be. Know your rights and what to do if something goes wrong with a client or supplier can help reduce future problems as well as the cost that will go into resolving those issues in court.

Learning more about business laws now may also help prevent major setbacks for your business in the future. A business law attorney can be of great assistance to a business owner. They are able to help explain the different aspects of business law and how they apply to your business. The more knowledgeable you are about business law, the more successful your business is going to be.

Recent Posts

Business Succession Lawyer Salt Lake City Utah

 

West Valley City, Utah

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
 
West Valley City, Utah
City of West Valley City
The Maverik Center in West Valley City, home of the Utah Grizzlies ice hockey team.

The Maverik Center in West Valley City, home of the Utah Grizzlies ice hockey team.
Official seal of West Valley City, Utah

Motto: 

“Progress as promised.”[1]
Location within Salt Lake County

Location within Salt Lake County
West Valley City is located in Utah

West Valley City
West Valley City
Location within Utah

Coordinates: 40°41′21″N 111°59′38″WCoordinates40°41′21″N 111°59′38″W
Country  United States
State  Utah
County Salt Lake
Settled 1847
Incorporated 1980
Government

 
 • Mayor Karen Lang [2]
Area

 • Total 35.88 sq mi (92.92 km2)
 • Land 35.83 sq mi (92.79 km2)
 • Water 0.05 sq mi (0.14 km2)
Elevation

 
4,304 ft (1,312 m)
Population

 • Total 140,230
 • Density 3,913.76/sq mi (1,511.11/km2)
Time zone UTC−7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−6 (MDT)
Area code(s) 385, 801
FIPS code 49-83470[5]
GNIS feature ID 1437843[6]
Website www.wvc-ut.gov

West Valley City is a city in Salt Lake County and a suburb of Salt Lake City in the U.S. state of Utah. The population was 140,230 at the 2020 census,[4] making it the second-largest city in Utah. The city incorporated in 1980 from a large, quickly growing unincorporated area, combining the four communities of Granger, Hunter, Chesterfield, and Redwood. It is home to the Maverik Center and USANA Amphitheatre.

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Succession Planning

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 

Business succession planning[edit]

Effective succession or talent-pool management concerns itself with building a series of feeder groups up and down the entire leadership pipeline or progression.[6] In contrast, replacement planning is focused narrowly on identifying specific back-up candidates for given senior management positions. Thought should be given to the retention of key employees, and the consequences that the departure of key employees may have on the business.[7]

Fundamental to the succession-management process is an underlying philosophy that argues that top talent in the corporation must be managed for the greater good of the enterprise. Merck and other companies argue that a “talent mindset” must be part of the leadership culture for these practices to be effective.[8]

Organizations use succession planning as a process to ensure that employees are recruited and developed to fill each key role within the company. Through one’s succession-planning process, one recruits superior employees,[citation needed] develops their knowledge, skills, and abilities, and prepares them for advancement or promotion into ever more-challenging roles. Actively pursuing succession planning ensures that employees are constantly developed to fill each needed role. As one’s organization expands, loses key employees, provides promotional opportunities, or increases sales, one’s succession planning aims to ensure that one has employees on hand ready and waiting to fill new roles. Succession planning is one of important processes in leadership pipeline.

According to a 2006 Canadian Federation of Independent Business survey,[9] slightly more than one third of owners of independent businesses plan to exit their business within the next 5 years – and within the next 10 years two-thirds of owners plan to exit their business. The survey also found that Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not adequately prepared for their business succession: only 10% of owners have a formal, written succession plan; 38% have an informal, unwritten plan; and the remaining 52% do not have any succession plan at all. A 2004 CIBC survey suggests that succession planning is increasingly becoming a critical issue. The CIBC estimated that by 2010, $1.2 trillion in business assets would be poised to change hands.[10]

Research indicates many succession-planning initiatives fall short of their intent.[11] “Bench strength”, as it is commonly called, remains a stubborn problem in many if not most companies. Studies indicate that companies that report the greatest gains from succession planning feature high ownership by the CEO and high degrees of engagement among the larger leadership team.[12]

Companies well known for their succession planning and executive-talent development practices include: General ElectricHoneywellIBMMarriottMicrosoftPepsi and Procter & Gamble.

Research indicates that clear objectives are critical to establishing effective succession planning.[12] These objectives tend to be core to many or most companies that have well-established practices:

  • Identify those with the potential to assume greater responsibility in the organization
  • Provide critical development experiences to those that can move into key roles
  • Engage the leadership in supporting the development of high-potential leaders
  • Build a database that can be used to make better staffing decisions for key jobs

In other companies these additional objectives may be embedded in the succession process:

  • Improve employee commitment and retention
  • Meet the career development expectations of existing employees
  • Counter the increasing difficulty and costs of recruiting employees externally

Process and practices[edit]

Companies devise elaborate models to characterize their succession and development practices. Most reflect a cyclical series of activities that include these fundamentals:

  • Identify key roles for succession or replacement planning
  • Define the competencies and motivational profile required to undertake those roles
  • Assess people against these criteria – with a future orientation
  • Identify pools of talent that could potentially fill and perform highly in key roles
  • Develop employees to be ready for advancement into key roles – primarily through the right set of experiences.

In many companies, over the past several years,[when?] the emphasis has shifted from planning job assignments to development, with much greater focus on managing key experiences that are critical to growing global-business leaders.[citation needed] North American companies tend to be more active in this regard, followed by European and Latin American countries.

PepsiCo, IBM and Nike provide current examples of the so-called “game-planning” approach to succession and talent management. In these and other companies annual reviews are supplemented with an ongoing series of discussions among senior leaders about who is ready to assume larger roles. Vacancies are anticipated and slates of names are prepared based on highest potential and readiness for job moves. Organization realignments are viewed as critical windows-of-opportunity to utilize development moves that will serve the greater good of the enterprise.

Assessment is a key practice in effective succession-planning. There is no widely accepted formula for evaluating the future potential of leaders, but many tools and approaches continue to be used today, ranging from personality and cognitive testing to team-based interviewing and simulations and other Assessment centre methods. Elliott Jaques and others have argued for the importance of focusing assessments narrowly on critical differentiators of future performance. Jaques developed a persuasive case for measuring candidates’ ability to manage complexity, formulating a robust operational definition of business intelligence.[13] The Cognitive Process Profile (CPP) psychometric is an example of a tool used in succession planning to measure candidates’ ability to manage complexity according to Jaques’ definition.

Companies struggle to find practices that are effective and practical. It is clear that leaders who rely on instinct and gut to make promotion decisions are often not effective.[citation needed] Research indicates that the most valid practices for assessment are those that involve multiple methods and especially multiple raters.[14][need quotation to verify] “Calibration meetings” composed of senior leaders can be quite effective in judging a slate of potential senior leaders with the right tools and facilitation.[citation needed]

With organisations facing increasing complexity and uncertainty in their operating environments some[quantify] suggest a move away from competence-based approaches.[15] In a future that is increasingly hard to predict leaders will need to see opportunity in volatility, spot patterns in complexity, find creative solutions to problems, keep in mind long-term strategic goals for the organisation and wider society, and hold onto uncertainty until the optimum time to make a decision.[citation needed]

Professionals in the field, including academics, consultants and corporate practitioners, have many strongly-held views on the topic. Best practice is a slippery concept in this field. There are many thought-pieces on the subject that readers may[original research?] find valuable, such as “Debunking 10 Top Talent Management Myths”, Talent Management Magazine, Doris Sims, December 2009. Research-based writing is more difficult to find. The Corporate Leadership Council, The Best Practice Institute (BPI) and the Center for Creative Leadership, as well as the Human Resources Planning Society, are sources of some effective research-based materials.

Over the years,[when?] organizations have changed their approach to succession planning. What used to be a rigid, confidential process of hand-picking executives to be company successors is now becoming a more fluid, transparent practice that identifies high-potential leaders and incorporates development programs preparing them for top positions.[16] As of 2017 corporations consider succession planning a part of a holistic strategy called “talent management”.[citation needed] According to the company PEMCO, “talent management is defined as the activities and processes throughout the employee life cycle: recruiting and hiring, Onboarding, training, professional development, performance management, workforce planning, leadership development, career development, cross-functional work assignments, succession planning, and the employee exit process”.[16] When managing internal talent, companies must “know whether the right people, are moving at the right pace into the right jobs at the right time”.[17] An effective succession-planning strategy, coupled with solid career-development programs, will help paint a more promising future for employees.[citation needed]

Succession management[edit]

A substantial body of literature discusses succession planning. The first book that addressed the topic fully was “Executive Continuity” by Walter Mahler. Mahler was responsible in the 1970s for helping to shape the General Electric succession process which became the gold standard of corporate practice. Mahler, who was heavily influenced by Peter Drucker, wrote three other books on the subject of succession, all of which are out of print. His colleagues, Steve Drotter and Greg Kesler,[12] as well as others, expanded on Mahler’s work in their writings. “The Leadership Pipeline: How to Build the Leadership Powered Company”, by Charan, Drotter and Noel is noteworthy.[6][need quotation to verify] A new edited collection of materials, edited by Marshall Goldsmith, describes many contemporary examples in large companies.[18]

Most large corporations assign a process owner for talent and succession management. Resourcing of the work varies widely – from numbers of highly dedicated internal consultants to limited professional support embedded in the roles of human-resources generalists. Often these staff resources are separate from external staffing or recruiting functions. As of 2017 some companies seek to integrate internal and external staffing. Others are more inclined to integrate succession management with the performance management process in order simplify the work for line managers.

Succession advisors[edit]

A prior preparation needs to be done for the replacement of a CEO in family firms.[citation needed] The role of advisors is important as they help with the transition of leadership between the current-generation leaders and the successors.[citation needed] Advisors help family-owned businesses establish their own leadership skills. This process is relatively long if the successors want to be accepted by all employees. They need to take higher managing positions gradually to be respected. During this process, the successors are asked to develop different skills such as leadership. This is where the role of advisors fully exemplifies its importance. It is when the managing position is shared between the first-generation leader, the second and the advisors. An advisor helps with communication because emotional factors between family members can badly affect the company. The advisors help manage everything during a predetermined period of time and make the succession process less painful and eventful for everybody. In these cases, an interim leadership is usually what is best for the company. The employees can get accustomed to changes while getting to know the future CEO.[19][20]

Business Exit Planning[edit]

With the global proliferation of SMEs, issues of business succession and continuity have become increasingly common. When the owner of a business becomes incapacitated or passes away, it is often necessary to shut down an otherwise healthy business. Or in many instances, successors inherit a healthy business, which is forced into bankruptcy because of lack of available liquidity to pay inheritance taxes and other taxes. Proper planning helps avoid many of the problems associated with succession and transfer of ownership.

Business Exit Planning is a body of knowledge which began developing in the United States towards the end of the 20th century[citation needed], and is now spreading globally. A Business Exit Planning exercise begins with the shareholder(s) of a company defining their objectives with respect to an eventual exit, and then executing their plan, as the following definition suggests:

Business Exit Planning is the process of explicitly defining exit-related objectives for the owner(s) of a business, followed by the design of a comprehensive strategy and road map that take into account all personal, business, financial, legal, and taxation aspects of achieving those objectives, usually in the context of planning the leadership succession and continuity of a business. Objectives may include maximizing (or setting a goal for) proceeds, minimizing risk, closing a Transaction quickly, or selecting an investor that will ensure that the business prospers. The strategy should also take into account contingencies such as illness or death.[21]

All personal, financial, and business aspects should be taken into consideration. This is also a good time to plan an efficient transfer from the point of view of possibly applicable estate taxes, capital gains taxes, or other taxes.

Sale of a business is not the only form of exit. Forms of exit may also include initial public offering, management buyout, passing on the firm to next-of-kin, or even bankruptcy. Bringing on board financial strategic or financial partners may also be considered a form of exit, to the extent that it may help ensure succession and survival of the business.

In developed countries, the so-called “baby boomer” demographic wave is now reaching the stage where serious consideration needs to be given to exit. Hence, the importance of Business Exit Planning is expected to further increase in the coming years.

Family business[edit]

Small business succession tends to focus on how a business will continue to operate once its founder or initial leadership team retires or otherwise leaves the business. While small businesses on the whole often fail after the departure of their initial leadership team, succession planning can result in significantly improved chances for a business’s continuation.[22]

Within the context of succession planning, where a small business is owned by a group of managers or partners, thought should be given to the transition of the business to the partners, how departure from a business will be managed, and how shares or ownership interest will be valued for purposes of sale or buy-out.[23]

When succession occurs within a company’s hierarchy, succession plans should consider issues that may arise relating to retention of the intended successor, the possibility of jealousy by other employees, and how other employees will respond when they learn of the succession plan.[23] Additional issues are likely to arise if succession is to a family member,[24] particularly if more than one child of the managing owner works for the business or if siblings who do not work for the business will gain shares without having invested time and energy in the business.[23]

Small businesses and perhaps especially family businesses benefit from creating a disciplined succession process, involving,

  • Discussion and commitment by the shareholders;
  • Careful candidate selection; and
  • Integration and development of the selected successor.[22]

No part of the process should be rushed, with the integration process being expected to take roughly two years.[22]

Succession planning is a process and strategy for replacement planning or passing on leadership roles. It is used to identify and develop new, potential leaders who can move into leadership roles when they become vacant.[1][2] Succession planning in dictatorshipsmonarchies, politics, and international relations is used to ensure continuity and prevention of power struggle.[3][4] Within monarchies succession is settled by the order of succession.[3] In business, succession planning entails developing internal people with managing or leadership potential to fill key hierarchical positions in the company. It is a process of identifying critical roles in a company and the core skills associated with those roles, and then identifying possible internal candidates to assume those roles when they become vacant.[2] Succession planning also applies to small and family businesses (including farms and agriculture) where it is the process used to transition the ownership and management of a business to the next generation.[5]

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