The Theoretical Foundation for the Development of a Conceptual Model on the Relationship between Succession Planning Practices, Employee Retention and Knowledge Management in HEIs

This paper addresses the importance of succession planning practices and provides a conceptual framework that organizations can apply to retain the best talent. The absence of comprehensive models for succession planning in higher education institutions is unfortunate. Therefore, this study reviews the literature and proposes a new comprehensive succession planning model for HEIs. A review of relevant theories identified three theoretical approaches that provide possible explanations for the relationship between succession planning and employee retention. In compiling the primary and non-research literature for this study, a variety of sources were used, including databases, online books, and published articles. Succession planning requires adequate human resources to develop future leaders due to the aging factor. The outcome of this study will assist human resources managers, policy makers and scholars  to implement succession planning practices in the organization. Since there is a lack of research in HEIs context, this study can provide theoretical contribution for future researchers.   Received: 16 September 2023 / Accepted: 29 December 2023 / Published: 5 January 2024