Original Research

Due diligence neglected: managing human resources and organisational culture in mergers and acquisitions

F. M. Horwitz, K. Anderssen, A. Bezuidenhout, S. Cohen, F. Kirsten, K. Mosoeunyane, N. Smith, K. Thole, A. Van Heerden
South African Journal of Business Management | Vol 33, No 1 | a692 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v33i1.692 | © 2018 F. M. Horwitz, K. Anderssen, A. Bezuidenhout, S. Cohen, F. Kirsten, K. Mosoeunyane, N. Smith, K. Thole, A. Van Heerden | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 12 October 2018 | Published: 31 March 2002

About the author(s)

F. M. Horwitz, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
K. Anderssen, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
A. Bezuidenhout, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
S. Cohen, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
F. Kirsten, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
K. Mosoeunyane, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
N. Smith, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
K. Thole, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
A. Van Heerden, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Full Text:

PDF (63KB)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to identify attributes of organisational culture and human resource practices required for successful transitions in mergers and acquisitions. Using primary data from five case studies on mergers and acquisitions, findings show that where neglect of two key ‘soft’ due diligence factors of cultural and human resource compatibility occurs, transition and effective integration of the new entity is hampered. The need for a coherent integration plan including joint teams, effective communication and other appropriate human resource practices is considered vital for successful acculturation. A model for both managerial policy and further research is proposed.

Keywords

No related keywords in the metadata.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2220
Total article views: 1320

 

Crossref Citations

1. How communication approaches impact mergers and acquisitions outcomes
Duncan N. Angwin, Kamel Mellahi, Emanuel Gomes, Emmanuel Peter
The International Journal of Human Resource Management  vol: 27  issue: 20  first page: 2370  year: 2016  
doi: 10.1080/09585192.2014.985330