A sociocultural perspective on knowledge transfer in mergers and acquisitions

• Autores: Riikka M. Sarala, Paulina Junni, Cary L. Cooper, Shlomo Yedidia Tarba
• Localización: Journal of Management, ISSN-e 1557-1211, Vol. 42, Nº. 5, 2016, págs. 1230-1249
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Sociocultural factors are important determinants of merger and acquisition (M&A) outcomes. Despite advances in this field, our understanding of sociocultural factors in M&As remains incomplete. In particular, the roles of sociocultural interfirm linkages, HR flexibility, and organizational cultural differences in M&As require further elucidation. The present article contributes to the M&A literature by further clarifying the multifaceted role of these sociocultural factors in M&As. We suggest that sociocultural interfirm linkages (complementary employee skills, trust, collective teaching, and cultural integration) between the merging firms influence the level of knowledge transfer in M&As. Furthermore, we argue that HR flexibility (flexibility in employee skills, flexibility in employee behavior, and flexibility in HR practices) is vital for the development of the above-mentioned sociocultural interfirm linkages in M&As. Finally, we maintain that organizational cultural differences are important antecedents of HR flexibility in M&As.