Hearts at stake: A theoretical and practical look at communication in connection with mergers and acquisitions

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to present a model for communicating mergers and acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a case study of a corporate merger.

Findings

Communication is a crucial strategic tool in the integration process that follows a merger or an acquisition. M&As differ from other changes as virtually everything is at stake – both practical issues as well as the corporate identity. Hence, the identity issue must be addressed specifically, as a change in corporate identity is expected to affect the employees seriously due to the identification with the corporate identity. The paper also emphasizes the importance of empowering and enabling middle managers for the communication task in order to act as change agents, as the middle manager has reason to feel as “endangered” by the acquisition as his/her employees.

Originality/value

The paper offers a practical model for integration communication.

Citation

Balle, N. (2008), "Hearts at stake: A theoretical and practical look at communication in connection with mergers and acquisitions", Corporate Communications: An International Journal, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 56-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/13563280810848193