General information
Code: V5-2355 MIN
Period: 1.10.2023 - 30.9.2025
Range on year: 0.05 FTE | 2023
Project leader at FDV: prof.dr. Aleksandra Kanjuo-Mrčela
Research activity: Social sciences
Abstract
The research project aims to analyse the problem of ownership succession in companies by examining the existing demographics of owners of Slovenian companies with more than 5 employees, excluding companies listed on organised stock markets and other types of companies that are not suitable for studying the challenge of ownership succession. The objective is to map the ownership landscape or analyse the existing ownership structure using a representative sample of companies in Slovenia. We will be interested in the age of the existing individual owners and their plans or information regarding different ownership succession options (family succession, sale to a competitor, internal buyout, dissolution, etc.). Data will be obtained in the first phase through a survey from the sample obtained, and in the second phase through focused interviews/focus groups from the same sample. In this way, we will identify challenges from the field and identify the actual needs and the extent of the problem in relation to the transfer of ownership in Slovenian companies. The analysed sample will be used to verify the correlation of the state of the existing ownership structure with key parameters and between business ownership and performance. Using appropriate methodology (surveys/focus groups/interviews) we will identify the current state of internal ownership in Slovenia, describing the models of employee involvement in the ownership structure currently in use, the relative number of employees involved in internal ownership and the distribution of ownership among employees. We will examine the willingness of existing owners and employees to establish insider ownership schemes and identify the level of awareness of insider ownership schemes among existing owners and the potential biases of owners and employees towards transferring ownership to employees. In conclusion, we will make recommendations on socially responsible and sustainable models of internal ownership based on the analysis carried out and knowledge of the warnings from responsible international and Slovenian institutions on the issue of ownership succession. Recommendations will be made for the regulation of ownership succession through employee ownership, for building a supportive institutional environment and for tax incentives. The recommendations will be based on international good practice and research achievements and on the development of models in the field of employee ownership in Slovenia. The project findings will be disseminated through various channels, and the results will be targeted primarily at the political public as a starting point for the implementation of legislative solutions in this area, and at the business public as an incentive for timely succession planning and raising awareness of internal buy-outs as a possible option.
The phases of the project and their realization
The research will last for two years and is divided into seven work packages. The study will last two years and is divided into seven work packages. WORKING PACKAGE 1 focuses on the management and coordination of the project, where Dr Aleksandra Kanjuo Mrčela and assistant professor Ms. Tej Gonza ensure effective project management, organisation and communication within the project, as well as cooperation with the client. The aim is to ensure that the project adheres to the time, financial and content constraints, and includes regular reporting and meetings with the client. WORKING PACKAGE 2, led by Kosta Marca Jurij, reviews and analyses good practices and theoretical backgrounds of solving the problem of property succession, gathering relevant research, studies and legislative frameworks from Slovenia and selected countries. WORKING PACKAGE 3, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Polona Domadenik Muren and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Denis Marinšek, focuses on the preparation of a methodological basis for an empirical study. This includes the selection of the research method, data analysis and the preparation of the research sample based on the theoretical background of the second package. WORKING PACKAGE 4, led by Sara Lucu and Mina Ličen, presents the implementation of an empirical research involving surveys and interviews in order to explore ownership structures and challenges related to succession in Slovenian companies. WORKING PACKAGE 5, also coordinated by Prof. Dr. Polona Domadenik Muren and Associate Prof. Dr. Denis Marinšek, involves the analysis of the obtained survey results, with the aim of producing a comprehensive report on the findings, analysing the correlations between ownership structures and key business parameters. WORKING PACKAGE 6, where Dr. Aleksandra Kanjuo Mrčela and Tej Gonza prepare recommendations for the implementation of good practices and insider ownership based on the results of the survey, aiming at improving the Slovenian business environment and succession practices. WORKING PACKAGE 7, under the leadership of Kosta M. Juri and Sara Lucu, focuses on the dissemination of the project results throughout the duration of the project. This includes public presentations, conference appearances and communication with the media, the scientific community and political and economic actors, with the aim of raising wider awareness of succession issues and possible solutions.
Research Organisation
https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/20715
Researchers
https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/20715
Citations for bibliographic records
https://cris.cobiss.net/ecris/si/en/project/20715
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