Influence of new generation succession on team performance: Evidence from China

We explored the basic structures of new generation succession and entrepreneurship values from a generation gap perspective by first distributing a preliminary questionnaire to 25 new team leaders and 275 team members in Chinese organizations. Data from 211 other employees were then analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, with the results showing that new generation succession and entrepreneurship values are each represented by a different 3-factor model. Using item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, data from another sample of 202 employees were used to confirm the validity and reliability of the final questionnaire. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that there was a moderating effect of interpersonal relationships (guanxi) and a mediating effect of entrepreneurship values on the relationship between new generation succession and team performance. Our results have practical implications for firms as regards recruiting and retaining new generation talented employees.