HR as business partner during mergers and acquisitions: The key to success is to get involved early

摘要

This paper seeks to highlight the important role human resource (HR) plays in organizations during mergers and acquisitions. Design/methodology/approach: The 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. Findings: The 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 implications: The paper includes a number of case studies of successful and failed M&As and draws out the lessons for HR. Social implications: The 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/value: The paper looks at the process of mergers and acquisitions from a mainly Indian context.