Human resources strategy and change: Essentials of mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures

Abstract

Acquisitions, mergers, and joint ventures are key, strategic options that organizational leaders may consider in the pursuit of growth or survival. The challenge is that these options have a high rate of failure. HR can increase the likelihood of success by deepening the focus on the people aspect as these options are considered and executed.These strategic avenues have five phases in common: discovery, due diligence, agreement and announcement, integration, and sustainable performance. During each phase, HR has an opportunity to help organizational leaders understand the risks associated with the people factor and make informed decisions.This chapter will provide you with an understanding of your role during these phases as well as a summary of dos and don’ts to enable success. We will share a case study with questions to help you think about what you would do as the HR professional.