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Mind Your Language! : Role of Target Firm Language in Post-Merger Integration

Author

Listed:
  • Ashish Malik

    (Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration (RIEB), Kobe University, Japan, and Faculty of Business and Law, University of Newcastle, Australia)

  • Ralf Bebenroth

    (Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration (RIEB), Kobe University, Japan)

Abstract

This paper reviews the role of language in international business in general and specifically highlights the role in post-merger integration process. Based on our review and building on earlier works, this paper develops a conceptual model regarding the use of language in different merger and acquisitions integration scenarios and identifies the key resource mix that may be suited for an effective deployment of language strategies. We argue that the use of a language at the target depends on the strategic interdependence as well as the organizational autonomy at the target firm. The paper states testable propositions for future research in a post-merger integration context.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashish Malik & Ralf Bebenroth, 2017. "Mind Your Language! : Role of Target Firm Language in Post-Merger Integration," Discussion Paper Series DP2017-15, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University.
    • Handle: RePEc:kob:dpaper:dp2017-15
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    File URL: https://www.rieb.kobe-u.ac.jp/academic/ra/dp/English/DP2017-15.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

    Language; Integration Structures; Cross-border; Target Autonomy; Post-Merger Integration; M&A Performance;
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