Cultural integration: make it or break it
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School of Business |
Master's thesis
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Date
2024
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Global Management
Language
en
Pages
99
Series
Abstract
In this master’s thesis we aim to investigate the role of cultural due diligence and cultural integration planning in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from a consulting viewpoint within the western-cultural context. Our research asks the question: How consultants consider the role of cultural due diligence and cultural integration planning in the M&A and post-merger integration context? The literature review of this thesis covers both due diligence and post-merger integration. However, the focus is on cultural integration literature. Academic literature highlights that M&A often fails due to culture related factors. Therefore, it is important to understand the role and processes of cultural due diligence and integration planning. Nevertheless, even academic literature recognizes that there is a lack of research into cultural due diligence and integration planning. This presents somewhat of a paradox. Culture is often the cause of M&A failure, but tools for solving this challenge have been given limited attention. Based on post-merger integration literature we have identified the main blocks that make up a cultural integration plan. These include determining the strategic objective, integration level, integration approach and leadership style. To investigate the role of these blocks we have conducted a qualitative study with eight management consultants with M&A experience. After our interviews we find the role of culture to be underprioritized, with most of our interviewees calling for more attention to cultural factors. We also find there to be a general lack of knowledge about proper tools for cultural due diligence and integration planning. According to our interviewees culture is often misconceived as unmeasurable. This may explain why tools for tackling cultural issues have been given only limited attention. We find this to be one of the key reasons behind the currently limited role of culture in M&A. However, based on our findings we expect the prominence of cultural factors in M&A to increase in the future.Description
Thesis advisor
Itani, SamiKeywords
M&A, culture, cultural integration, post-merger integration, cultural integration planning, cultural due diligence, leadership