What is Professionalization

This chapter aims at shedding light on the “hidden relationship” between the process of entrepreneurial succession in family SMEs and the development of the HR management system in such firms. Starting from a literature review, the authors develop a reflection based on evidence from a sample of Italian family SMEs, collected through a longitudinal qualitative inquiry. They question if and how the change at the helm of the family firm may constitute an opportunity to develop or strengthen the HR management system. The ultimate goal of the chapter is to lay the foundation for building a conceptual framework in which some possible relationships between the variables involved are outlined.