{"id":3882,"date":"2023-06-24T10:53:57","date_gmt":"2023-06-24T05:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/?p=3882"},"modified":"2024-03-23T15:38:12","modified_gmt":"2024-03-23T10:08:12","slug":"internal-vs-external-succession-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/24\/internal-vs-external-succession-which-is-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Internal vs. External Succession: Which is Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Various organizations, ranging from partners to competitors, are interconnected, and the business world is inherently dynamic. Due to these reasons, organizations encounter a significant challenge in ensuring a seamless leadership transition. This transition is not an easy task as the individual assuming the vacant leadership position must possess sufficient skills, knowledge, and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To facilitate a seamless transition of leadership when a position becomes vacant, organizations implement\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q%3Dhttps:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1210\/succession-planning-july-2023%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1687674216473482%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw2nCPiTZbFzr7JDxcL58mhw&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1687674216481944&amp;usg=AOvVaw3d_SBq8DH3nosflGjiO8Cb\">succession planning<\/a>. Succession planning is a strategic process which involves identifying and developing potential\u00a0leaders\u00a0and it plays a crucial role in maintaining organizational stability and continuity. However, organizations often face the challenge of deciding between internal and external succession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:20px;font-size:28px;font-weight:bold;\">Related Webinars<\/div><div style=\"width:100%;height:auto;overflow:hidden;overflow-x:auto;margin:20px 0;\"><div style=\"width:calc(3 * 260px);\"><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1783\/delete-or-defend-2026?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/1734613313_b52cd0f6720de185fe87.png&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">Delete or Defend? The Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Records Retention & Destruction<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">Apr 22nd 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Susan Fahey Desmond<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1736\/payroll-overpayments?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/1690210566_ddeafec58b7fab473c74.png&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">Payroll Overpayments: Handling them Correctly in 2026<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">Apr 23rd 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Vicki M. Lambert, CPP<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><div style=\"width:250px;height:350px;background-color:#D2E0FF;background:url(https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/assets\/images\/wdt-back.png);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover;border-radius:10px;margin-right:10px;float:left;text-align:center;padding:25px 10px 0 10px;cursor:pointer;\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/details\/1772\/liens-and-levies-2026?utm_source=cp_blog'\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width:135px;height:135px;border-radius:50%;border:2px solid #2B58B5;padding:3px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/image.php?src=https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/uploads\/img_upload\/1769800299_6ffeb373912f0847a09a.jpg&w=200&h=200&zc=1&s=1\" alt=\"Speaker\"><div style=\"color:#0E1851;margin-top:5px;font-size:18px;font-weight:bold;line-height:22px;max-height:65px;overflow:hidden;\">Liens and Levies-How to Differentiate the Two and Help Your Client that Has One Filed Against them<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><div style=\"margin:10px auto 0 auto;display:inline-block;\"><div style=\"width:20px;float:left;\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" id=\"IconChangeColor\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\"><path d=\"M160 32V64H288V32C288 14.33 302.3 0 320 0C337.7 0 352 14.33 352 32V64H400C426.5 64 448 85.49 448 112V160H0V112C0 85.49 21.49 64 48 64H96V32C96 14.33 110.3 0 128 0C145.7 0 160 14.33 160 32zM0 192H448V464C448 490.5 426.5 512 400 512H48C21.49 512 0 490.5 0 464V192zM64 304C64 312.8 71.16 320 80 320H112C120.8 320 128 312.8 128 304V272C128 263.2 120.8 256 112 256H80C71.16 256 64 263.2 64 272V304zM192 304C192 312.8 199.2 320 208 320H240C248.8 320 256 312.8 256 304V272C256 263.2 248.8 256 240 256H208C199.2 256 192 263.2 192 272V304zM336 256C327.2 256 320 263.2 320 272V304C320 312.8 327.2 320 336 320H368C376.8 320 384 312.8 384 304V272C384 263.2 376.8 256 368 256H336zM64 432C64 440.8 71.16 448 80 448H112C120.8 448 128 440.8 128 432V400C128 391.2 120.8 384 112 384H80C71.16 384 64 391.2 64 400V432zM208 384C199.2 384 192 391.2 192 400V432C192 440.8 199.2 448 208 448H240C248.8 448 256 440.8 256 432V400C256 391.2 248.8 384 240 384H208zM320 432C320 440.8 327.2 448 336 448H368C376.8 448 384 440.8 384 432V400C384 391.2 376.8 384 368 384H336C327.2 384 320 391.2 320 400V432z\" id=\"mainIconPathAttribute\" stroke-width=\"1\" stroke=\"#ff0000\" filter=\"url(#shadow)\" fill=\"#FB0351\"><\/path><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><filter id=\"shadow\"><feDropShadow id=\"shadowValue\" stdDeviation=\".5\" dx=\"0\" dy=\"0\" flood-color=\"black\"><\/feDropShadow><\/filter><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"float:left;margin-left:5px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;color:#FB0351;\">Apr 23rd 2026 @ 01:00 PM ET<\/div><div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#2B58B5;margin-top:-10px;\"><strong>Speaker: <\/strong>Charles K. Montecino, CPA, CGMA, CTRS<\/div><div style=\"width:120px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;color:#FB0351;border:2px solid #FB0351;border-radius:30px;padding:1px 5px;margin:10px auto;\">Learn More<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we will explore the concepts of internal and external succession and discuss which method is more advantageous for organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Internal Succession:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this succession strategy to fill vacant leadership positions, organizations promote existing employees from within the organization. In this approach, organizations identify and nurture high-potential individuals who possess the appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience to take on leadership roles when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Internal succession offers multiple benefits, such as maintaining organizational culture, providing opportunities for current employees to grow their skills and knowledge, and motivating employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many techniques that can help organizations in internal succession, and one such technique is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q%3Dhttps:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/18\/the-70-20-10-rule-unleashing-the-potential-of-future-leaders\/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1687674216474405%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw1914fsQDvhie2x0I3v_ob_&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1687674216482673&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uKC2dLMuVDwJ-29h9NJGV\">70-20-10 rule<\/a>, which helps companies create future leaders from high-potential employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">External Succession:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast to internal succession, external succession involves organizations hiring&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;from outside the organization to fill important positions. This approach has its own benefits, such as bringing new skill sets, experience, and perspectives that contribute to organizational growth. Moreover, external succession can inject the organization with new energy, and enthusiasm, and establish new connections and networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which is better for an organization, internal succession or external succession?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Determining which succession strategy is better is not a simple task, as the answer depends on several factors.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1.&nbsp;<strong>Talent availability:&nbsp;<\/strong>Every organization is different and possesses a unique pool of talent. Organizations that have a high-potential talent pool with the appropriate skill sets, knowledge, and experience can opt for internal succession. Conversely, organizations that do not have a high potential talent pool can adopt an external succession approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2.&nbsp;<strong>Benefits organizations want:&nbsp;<\/strong>So, both succession approaches have their own unique advantages as mentioned earlier. Based on the specific advantages an organization seeks, it can choose the approach accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3.&nbsp;<strong>Cost and Time:&nbsp;<\/strong>Internal succession is a less time-consuming and cost-effective approach since the employees are already familiar with other employees, management, the working environment, and organizational values. They do not have to spend time learning all of these aspects or adjusting themselves as they are already acquainted with everything about the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, in the external succession approach, the right candidates are selected through an extensive recruitment process, which can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months. During this recruitment period, the leadership position may remain vacant, resulting in costs associated with the vacant post. Additionally, there are other costs involved, such as onboarding and relocation expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The choice between internal and external succession depends on several factors and considerations. Both approaches offer unique advantages and trade-offs that organizations must carefully evaluate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q%3Dhttps:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/forbesbusinesscouncil\/2022\/03\/21\/five-critical-components-of-a-successful-internal-succession-plan\/?sh%253D153e77066bb5%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1687674216476047%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw2wCm8ObFZgDQ_WPHRh3ZsV&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1687674216483626&amp;usg=AOvVaw0qk_i-iHrww_wjDlkyeRL5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Internal succession<\/a>&nbsp;allows organizations to leverage their existing talent pool, fostering continuity, preserving organizational culture, and promoting employee growth. It is a cost-effective and time-efficient solution as internal candidates are already familiar with the organization&#8217;s dynamics. Internal succession can enhance employee motivation and provide opportunities for advancement within the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>External succession brings fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets, and external networks to the organization. It can inject new energy, innovation, and expertise, contributing to organizational growth and adaptability. However, external succession may involve longer recruitment processes and incur additional costs, such as onboarding and relocation expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best succession strategy varies for each organization based on talent availability, desired benefits, and cost and time considerations. Organizations with a high-potential talent pool may benefit from internal succession, while those lacking such resources may find external succession more suitable. It is crucial for organizations to align their succession strategy with their specific goals and requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Various organizations, ranging from partners to competitors, are interconnected, and the business world is inherently dynamic. Due to these reasons, organizations encounter a significant challenge in ensuring a seamless leadership&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3885,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3882","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hr-blog","category-leadership"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3882","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3882"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3882\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5024,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3882\/revisions\/5024"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3885"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3882"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3882"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.complianceprime.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3882"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}