M&Asynergies and tensions
Our client had mastered the science of mergers and acquisitions, conducting numerous acquisitions each year with efficiency. As the size and complexity of acquisitions increased, it focused attention toward improved understanding of the cultural challenges it was facing, which frequently were addressed far into the integration process.
More acquisitions loomed ahead, small to large, each with its own issues. This client wanted to provide earlier input to its integration plans. Using our M&A Snapshot they would be able to identify cultural tensions and synergies early in the game and provide the change team and department leaders with information for action.
The M&A Snapshot provides insights into the twelve areas that most typically result in culture clash. Typically a survey is conducted four to eight weeks from change-over with all employees in the acquired or merging organization invited to participate. With operational changes and training happening concurrently, employees may feel overwhelmed and stressed; however, when the survey is introduced, interest is commonly high and people are eager to contribute their perspectives and experiences.
Cultural tensions in each integration play out differently; however, one thing has emerged. As more attention is paid to cultural synergies and tensions between the integrating organizations, the acquiring firm's evolving culture is being recognized more explicitly. M&A Snapshots provide insights for action for leaders and their groups for many months. Communications, on-boarding practices, leader behaviors, selection criteria and more have shifted to respect cultural strengths, mitigate the productivity drop and build employee engagement.
Typically, about six months post change-over, the M&A Snapshot is conducted again so that leaders and their groups can continue to shape the culture they will need to deliver the goals of their new enterprise.
Sponsors
Vice President, Change Initiatives
Services
M&A Snapshot
Outcome
Areas of cultural tensions and synergies identified
