What is the purpose of a replacement chart in succession planning?

• A. To schedule performance reviews for each employee.
• B. To map key roles to potential successors and outline replacement paths.
• C. To track learning completions.
• D. To manage salaries for future roles.

Answer: (B)

Replacement charts in succession planning are used to identify who could step into key roles if a vacancy occurs and to lay out the path for how those individuals would be prepared to take over. This approach focuses on continuity and readiness, showing which internal candidates are available for critical positions and detailing the development actions, timelines, and potential gaps needed to reach those roles. That clarity helps an organization plan talent pipelines, reduce disruption from unexpected departures, and align development activities with future leadership needs.

Scheduling performance reviews, tracking learning completions, or managing salaries address different HR concerns. Performance reviews are about ongoing evaluation timelines, learning completions track training progress, and salary management deals with compensation for future roles. The replacement chart specifically links critical roles to potential successors and outlines how they would be prepared to fill them, which is why it is the most accurate description of its purpose.