Mergers and Acquisitions: The Human Factor

Mergers and acquisitions continue to be a feature of the contemporary business scene yet at least half prove unsuccessful. The authors assess the contribution that psychology can make to our understanding of the merger phenomena both in terms of its impact on organizational performance and its impact on the managers and employees involved. Particular focus is placed on the issue of cultural compatibility as it concerns partner selection, integration, practices and venture outcomes. The book is intended as a guide to successful organizational marriage. Each stage in the merger process is examined - from the initial target identification and decision-making stage, the merger announcement and predicting employee response through to smooth post merger integration.