Date of Award

1-1-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Second Advisor

Dr. Kristina Morehouse

Abstract

This thesis studies intergenerational communication in farm families during the succession planning process. The research focuses on intergenerational relationships between fathers and sons. Due to the lack of research on intergenerational communication in farm families, this thesis examines the role communication plays in this relationship, and how communication affects the succession planning process of passing down the family farm. Communication accommodation theory is used to understand the communication processes taking place within the father-son relationship. The research methods used to gather information for this study are focus groups. The focus groups are made up of 3 father/son pairs who are currently experiencing the succession planning process. Research findings showed that families are not communicating with each other while they are working through the succession planning process. . When families are not communicating with each other it leads to conflict, which complicates the working relationship, ultimately complicating succession planning. When succession planning is complicated it can affect the livelihood of the family’s farm business, but more importantly the well-being and long-term health of the family unit as a whole.

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