Hard and soft integration: towards a dynamic model of post‐acquisition integration
Author(s)
Kroon, David P
Noorderhaven, Niels G
Corley, Kevin G
Vaara, Eero
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Successful post-acquisition integration hinges on combining hard and soft integration, but insights into how this can be done are scarce. We develop a dynamic model of post-acquisition integration through an in-depth inductive study of a cross-border acquisition. Our model illustrates that the combination of hard and soft integration decisions sets in motion intergroup interaction processes that influence both the realization of synergies and collaborative intentions. Our study advances the M&A literature by elucidating how hard and soft integration dynamically interact in their effects on post-acquisition integration outcomes. In doing so, we respond to the call for more research on the temporal nature of integration processes. Finally, we reveal that a singular or monolithic approach to post-acquisition integration is unlikely given that different units are likely to have different integration needs depending on their degrees of interdependence and autonomy.
Date Issued
2022-07
Date Acceptance
2021-09-01
Citation
Journal of Management Studies, 2022, 59 (5), pp.1132-1161
ISSN
0022-2380
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
1132
End Page
1161
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Management Studies
Volume
59
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Management Studies published by Society for the Advancement of Management Studies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Identifier
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joms.12766
Subjects
Business & Management
1503 Business and Management
1505 Marketing
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2021-09-02