Cultural Synergy in Mergers and Acquisitions

Cultural synergy is a key success factor in a merger and acquisition that can affect the involvement of employees, the rate of integration, and the sustainability of the organization. Whereas the conventional M&A initiatives aimed at financial and operational measures, the cultural fit has come out as strategic requirement to create value. The chapter reviews discussion of cultural collisions in terms of trust, motivation, and performance, and identifies assessment tools which can be used to support cultural due diligence. Such strategies as inclusive leadership, focused HR practice, open communication, and participatory structures are discussed as ways to create shared meaning and entire identity. The examples of cross-border and technology mergers demonstrate the importance of planned integration in changing cultural diversity into innovation and long-term development. The chapter concludes that cultural synergy is not by chance and it is the result of intentional planning and flexible management.

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