Delphi approach to identifying best practices for succession planning within construction firms

Succession planning serves to develop and retain workers at all levels of employment. Retaining high performers is critical to a contractor’s success. The nature of the construction industry creates unique difficulties for retaining employees internally. High turnover is common within construction companies, noticeably with high performers. Currently, the industry is experiencing a significant workforce shortage and it is becoming increasingly harder to find qualified workers. To help reduce contractor’s risk of high turnover, the Construction Industry Institute (CII) appointed a research panel to identify best practices for succession planning in the construction industry. CII identified 10 Human Resource (HR) executives from large North American construction companies to participate in the research panel. With the aim of identifying best practices in succession planning, the researcher conducted a three-round Delphi study with the research panel. The panel came to a consensus on 15 practices that have the highest value for succession planning in the construction industry. During the three rounds, the panel ordered the 15 practices in perceived value by using their 212 years of combined HR experience in the construction industry. Construction companies can incorporate the practices during the five common stages of succession planning.