Exploring Succession Planning in the Private Education Sector: A Cross-Cultural Study of Western and Eastern Leadership Philosophies

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Title: Exploring Succession Planning in the Private Education Sector: A Cross-Cultural Study of Western and Eastern Leadership Philosophies
Language: English
Authors: Arpan Upadhyaya (ORCID 0000-0002-5520-038X), Sunaina Kuknor (ORCID 0000-0001-9901-2172)
Source: International Journal of Educational Management. 2026 40(4):693-712.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Private Education, Administrative Change, Planning, Cross Cultural Studies, Comparative Education, Western Civilization, Non Western Civilization, Models, Innovation, Ethics, Educational Policy, Educational Practices, Educational Philosophy, Well Being, Individualism, Collectivism, Management Development
DOI: 10.1108/IJEM-12-2024-0778
ISSN: 0951-354X
1758-6518
Abstract: Purpose: This study analyzes succession planning in private education by comparing western and eastern leadership philosophies, exploring how cultural values shape leadership and institutional goals. Design/methodology/approach: This study analyzes the leadership succession models within the context of the private education sector through a systematic literature review. These findings are complemented by including two case studies, Harvard University (western model) and Keio University (eastern model), to give practical validity. These case studies demonstrate how succession planning is implemented in institutional contexts, drawing a line between theoretical understanding and implementation. Findings: The study shows that western institutions focus on innovation and transitions anchored in merit, while eastern institutions care about respecting relational harmony and continuity in ethical terms. Each of the approaches has its merits and limitations. A hybrid model that blends western and eastern strengths may be useful in the increasingly globalized educational environment. Practical implications: The findings provide actionable insights for educational leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the need for adaptable yet culturally sensitive succession policies. Recommendations include implementing mentorship programs, balancing internal and external hiring and establishing policies accommodating performance-driven and ethically-rooted leadership. Originality/value: The paper tries to offer unique perspectives by integrating eastern and western philosophical insights that may align with global competitiveness and cultural traditions.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506291
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Exploring Succession Planning in the Private Education Sector: A Cross-Cultural Study of Western and Eastern Leadership Philosophies
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Arpan+Upadhyaya%22">Arpan Upadhyaya</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5520-038X">0000-0002-5520-038X</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sunaina+Kuknor%22">Sunaina Kuknor</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9901-2172">0000-0001-9901-2172</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Journal+of+Educational+Management%22"><i>International Journal of Educational Management</i></searchLink>. 2026 40(4):693-712.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: Y
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  Data: 20
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Private+Education%22">Private Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Administrative+Change%22">Administrative Change</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Planning%22">Planning</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cross+Cultural+Studies%22">Cross Cultural Studies</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Comparative+Education%22">Comparative Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Western+Civilization%22">Western Civilization</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Non+Western+Civilization%22">Non Western Civilization</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Models%22">Models</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Innovation%22">Innovation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Ethics%22">Ethics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Policy%22">Educational Policy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Practices%22">Educational Practices</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Philosophy%22">Educational Philosophy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Well+Being%22">Well Being</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Individualism%22">Individualism</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Collectivism%22">Collectivism</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Management+Development%22">Management Development</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1108/IJEM-12-2024-0778
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  Data: 0951-354X<br />1758-6518
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Purpose: This study analyzes succession planning in private education by comparing western and eastern leadership philosophies, exploring how cultural values shape leadership and institutional goals. Design/methodology/approach: This study analyzes the leadership succession models within the context of the private education sector through a systematic literature review. These findings are complemented by including two case studies, Harvard University (western model) and Keio University (eastern model), to give practical validity. These case studies demonstrate how succession planning is implemented in institutional contexts, drawing a line between theoretical understanding and implementation. Findings: The study shows that western institutions focus on innovation and transitions anchored in merit, while eastern institutions care about respecting relational harmony and continuity in ethical terms. Each of the approaches has its merits and limitations. A hybrid model that blends western and eastern strengths may be useful in the increasingly globalized educational environment. Practical implications: The findings provide actionable insights for educational leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the need for adaptable yet culturally sensitive succession policies. Recommendations include implementing mentorship programs, balancing internal and external hiring and establishing policies accommodating performance-driven and ethically-rooted leadership. Originality/value: The paper tries to offer unique perspectives by integrating eastern and western philosophical insights that may align with global competitiveness and cultural traditions.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1506291
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      – SubjectFull: Private Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Administrative Change
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      – SubjectFull: Planning
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      – SubjectFull: Cross Cultural Studies
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      – SubjectFull: Western Civilization
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      – SubjectFull: Ethics
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Policy
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Philosophy
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