Factors Affecting Family Business Succession In The Food Hawking Business In Malaysia

Food hawking businesses around the world largely contribute to the economy of countries and provides much needed jobs that feed employment, even though earnings are low. The food hawking business in Malaysia is under threat of extinction due to the reluctance of the next generation in taking over the food hawking businesses from the elderships. As research in the area of family business succession is scarce, this study serves to add to the theoretical aspect of the area. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of vending environment, operating hours, successor willingness, relationship among family members and preparation level of heir on the intention of family succession in the food hawking business in Malaysia. Leader’s approval was also studied as a potential moderator. The methodology used was a questionnaire survey study design with a sample size of 208, respondents were obtained via convenience sampling from Kuala Lumpur and Penang as hawkers are abundant in these two locations. Findings show that vending environment, successor willingness, relationship among family members and preparation level of heir have a significant effect on the intention of family succession in the food hawking business in Malaysia. Leader’s approval was found to be insignificant as a moderator. Operating hours was not significant, possibly due to the difference in importance placed by Malaysian hawkers in succession.