Technology-Driven Succession Planning Failures and Employee Turnover Intentions: Exploring Career Development in Emerging Economies

Heniuck Mutisi¹, Everjoy Mukunga², Pardon J. Muzondo³

^1,2 Lecturer, Consumer Science and Retail Management, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.

³ Lecturer, Supply Chain Management, Marondera University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Marondera, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The widespread adoption of digital technologies in human resource management has fundamentally transformed global succession planning practices. Despite advancements in artificial intelligence, talent analytics, and electronic human resource systems, many organizations in emerging economies continue to confront challenges related to leadership continuity, inadequate career development opportunities, and persistent employee turnover. This study examined how technology-driven failures in succession planning influence employees’ turnover intentions through their career development experiences within these contexts. Grounded in an interpretivist research philosophy, the study employed a qualitative phenomenological design to capture employees’ lived experiences regarding technology-enabled succession planning. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants and analyzed via thematic analysis. Findings indicate that technology-related succession planning failures exacerbate career uncertainty, undermine organizational trust, foster perceptions of career stagnation, and heighten employees’ turnover intentions.  Practically, these findings offer insights for managers and policymakers seeking to enhance talent retention and promote sustainable workforce development. Social implications include improved employee well-being and organizational stability, while environmental benefits stem from reduced resource waste associated with frequent recruitment and replacement. The study concludes that integrating technology with transparent, employee-centric career development systems is essential for sustainable talent management.

Keywords: Strategic succession planning, Employee turnover intentions, Professional career development, Digital human resource management, Emerging economies.

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