Comparing family and nonfamily candidates for promotion: manager selection at Acme Lumber

SynopsisNed Piper needs to improve the performance of Acme Lumber’s Broken Arrow store. There are two candidates for the store manager’s position, Larry Frazier and Chip Farmer. Larry has worked for Acme for 35 years in a variety of positions and is related to the Johnson family who has owned and managed Acme for three generations. Chip has worked for Acme for 19 years and has successfully helped to turn around another store. Chip is not related to the Johnsons. Ned is feeling pressure from the business and family to make the right decision. Which candidate should he select to become a manager?Research methodologyThe authors used a case study methodology.Relevant courses and levelsHuman resources, selection, staffing, and family business management.Theoretical basesSocioemotional wealth perspective, and agency theory.