NHRD Journal - National HRD Network

• Successful integration approach needs to
factor in the business objectives and the
organizational context. The variables that
need to be taken into account for
determination of the approach to Integration
are 'Need for Strategic Interdependence' and
'Need for Organizational Autonomy'.
Further, drawing upon research studies
which, based on the mutual relationship
between these variables, there are broadly,
four approaches to Integration: Symbiosis,
Preservation, Absorption and Holding.
• In the context of merger, irrespective of the
Integration approach adopted, there arises
unfavorable reaction from employees - the
difference being in the magnitude and
whether it is across one or both the
organizations. The paper recommends 4Cs
(Contingency Planning, Communication,
Co-opt and Collaboration) as the Key Actions
in the Integration Plan. Based on the approach
towards Integration and the context of the
merger, the intensity and the modus operandi
of each of the Key Action would vary.
• It must be remembered that managing a
merger process is sensitive and to be
successful, it needs to factor in the human
and emotional element. As leading
researchers in this area, Buono and
Bowditch puts in perspective, "If mergers
and acquisitions are to be successful over
the long term, the basic nature of such
change as a human process...must be
acknowledged, understood, and integrated
into the planning process."
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WEBSITES
• John McGee/Blackwell Encyclopedia of Management: Strategic Management – Website retrieved on 21st Oct’07 at http://
www.blackwellpublishing.com/content/BPL_Images/Content_store/Sample_chapter/9781405118286/
McGee_sample%20chapter_Blackwell%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Management%20Stategic%20Management.pdf
• Acquisition Integration Approaches: Website retrieved on 27th Oct’07 at http://www.12manage.com/
methods_haspeslagh_acquisition_integration_approaches.html
• M&A Deal Tracker: Website retrieved on 25th Sept 2007 at http://bw.businessworld.in/html_uploads/Deal_Tracker.html#
• Corporate India goes shopping — And lands smart deals on foreign shores, Website Retrieved on 25th Sept 2007 at http://
www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2007/01/14/stories/2007011400170700.htm
Endnotes
1 For the purpose of this paper, the terms “merger” and “acquisition” would not be differentiated. The term ‘merger’ would denote ‘Merger and Acquisition’. Research has
indicated that such combinations are homogeneous in nature and typically have same repercussions on the firms and their human resources (Buono and Bowditch, 1989).
November 2007 NHRD Journal 91