HR as business partner during mergers and acquisitions

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to highlight the important role human resource (HR) plays in organizations during mergers and acquisitions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the role of HR in various organizations that have undergone mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and captures the criticality of HR getting involved early during the process.FindingsThe paper provides case studies illustrating that if HR is involved from the early stages of the M&A deal, the chances of success are higher than if HR gets involved only after the merger has taken place.Practical implicationsThe paper includes a number of case studies of successful and failed M&As and draws out the lessons for HR.Social implicationsThe paper draws out the factors that help to ensure that mergers and acquisitions are good for the companies and employees involved, as well as for society as a whole.Originality/valueThe paper looks at the process of mergers and acquisitions from a mainly Indian context.