IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/p/hal/journl/hal-03279605.html
   My bibliography  Save this paper

Postacquisition Boundary Spanning: A Relational Perspective on Integration

Author

Listed:
  • Helene Loe Colman

    (BI Norwegian Business School [Oslo])

  • Audrey Rouzies

    (TSM - Toulouse School of Management - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse)

Abstract

Through a longitudinal, qualitative study, we explore how preexisting embedded relationships shape boundary-spanning actions in the postacquisition integration process. We examine the role of union representatives in the integration process and find that in our case, they are significant boundary spanners. They share knowledge, promote the acquisition, and mitigate conflicts both within and between the merging organizations. Their intra-and interorganizational preacquisition relationships are the contingencies for their boundary-spanning actions. Our study makes several contributions to the literature. First, we show how a set of actors, mostly ignored by the mergers and acquisitions literature, can play a key facilitating role in the integration process. Second, we extend the understanding of the autonomy-integration dilemma in the postacquisition integration literature by conceptualizing preexisting relationships as precursors to postacquisition boundary spanning. Third, we challenge the classical conception of relational inertia as a path-dependent hindrance by showing that preexisting relationships can be leveraged to facilitate postacquisition integration. Finally, we contribute to the boundary-spanning literature by identifying the nature of embedded preacquisition relationships as an important contingency to boundary-spanning actions in interorganizational encounters.

Suggested Citation

  • Helene Loe Colman & Audrey Rouzies, 2018. "Postacquisition Boundary Spanning: A Relational Perspective on Integration," Post-Print hal-03279605, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03279605
    DOI: 10.1177/0149206318759400
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-03279605
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://hal.science/hal-03279605/document
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1177/0149206318759400?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maurizio Zollo & Harbir Singh, 2004. "Deliberate learning in corporate acquisitions: post‐acquisition strategies and integration capability in U.S. bank mergers," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(13), pages 1233-1256, December.
    2. Sydney Finkelstein & Jerayr Haleblian, 2002. "Understanding Acquisition Performance: The Role of Transfer Effects," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(1), pages 36-47, February.
    3. Lorenzo Cappellari & Claudio Lucifora & Giulio Piccirilli, 2004. "Union Activism, Workers’ Satisfaction and Organizational Change," LABOUR, CEIS, vol. 18(1), pages 1-28, March.
    4. Puranam, Phanish & Singh, Harbir & Zollo, Maurizio, 2003. "A Bird in the Hand or Two in the Bush?: Integration Trade-offs in Technology-grafting Acquisitions," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 21(2), pages 179-184, April.
    5. Schotter, Andreas & Beamish, Paul W., 2011. "Performance effects of MNC headquarters-subsidiary conflict and the role of boundary spanners: The case of headquarter initiative rejection," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 17(3), pages 243-259, September.
    6. Annette L. Ranft & Michael D. Lord, 2002. "Acquiring New Technologies and Capabilities: A Grounded Model of Acquisition Implementation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(4), pages 420-441, August.
    7. Rikard Larsson & Sydney Finkelstein, 1999. "Integrating Strategic, Organizational, and Human Resource Perspectives on Mergers and Acquisitions: A Case Survey of Synergy Realization," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(1), pages 1-26, February.
    8. Melissa E. Graebner & Koen H. Heimeriks & Quy N. Huy & Eero Vaara, 2017. "The Process of Postmerger Integration : A Review and Agenda for Future Research," Post-Print hal-02276670, HAL.
    9. Marco Tortoriello & Ray Reagans & Bill McEvily, 2012. "Bridging the Knowledge Gap: The Influence of Strong Ties, Network Cohesion, and Network Range on the Transfer of Knowledge Between Organizational Units," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(4), pages 1024-1039, August.
    10. Zhiang (John) Lin & Mike W. Peng & Haibin Yang & Sunny Li Sun, 2009. "How do networks and learning drive M&As? An institutional comparison between China and the United States," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(10), pages 1113-1132, October.
    11. Nicola Mirc, 2012. "Connecting the micro- and macro-level: Proposition of a research design to study post-acquisition synergies through a social network approach," Post-Print hal-00700508, HAL.
    12. Andrew M. Pettigrew, 1990. "Longitudinal Field Research on Change: Theory and Practice," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 1(3), pages 267-292, August.
    13. Martin Gargiulo & Mario Benassi, 2000. "Trapped in Your Own Net? Network Cohesion, Structural Holes, and the Adaptation of Social Capital," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 11(2), pages 183-196, April.
    14. Israel Drori & Amy Wrzesniewski & Shmuel Ellis, 2013. "One Out of Many? Boundary Negotiation and Identity Formation in Postmerger Integration," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 24(6), pages 1717-1741, December.
    15. Lori Rosenkopf & Atul Nerkar, 2001. "Beyond local search: boundary‐spanning, exploration, and impact in the optical disk industry," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(4), pages 287-306, April.
    16. Laurence Capron, 1999. "The long‐term performance of horizontal acquisitions," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(11), pages 987-1018, November.
    17. Daniel W. Elfenbein & Todd R. Zenger, 2014. "What Is a Relationship Worth? Repeated Exchange and the Development and Deployment of Relational Capital," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 25(1), pages 222-244, February.
    18. Mirc, Nicola, 2012. "Connecting the micro- and macro-level: Proposition of a research design to study post-acquisition synergies through a social network approach," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 121-135.
    19. Nicola Mirc, 2012. "Connecting the micro and macro-level: proposition of a research design to study post-acquisition synergies through a social network approach," Post-Print halshs-00738644, HAL.
    20. Srikanth Paruchuri & Atul Nerkar & Donald C. Hambrick, 2006. "Acquisition Integration and Productivity Losses in the Technical Core: Disruption of Inventors in Acquired Companies," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 17(5), pages 545-562, October.
    21. Melissa E. Graebner & Koen H. Heimeriks & Quy N. Huy & Eero Vaara, 2017. "The Process of Postmerger Integration : A Review and Agenda for Future Research," Post-Print hal-02311973, HAL.
    22. Sally Maitlis & Scott Sonenshein, 2010. "Sensemaking in Crisis and Change: Inspiration and Insights From Weick (1988)," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(3), pages 551-580, May.
    23. Maurizio Zollo & Jeffrey J. Reuer, 2010. "Experience Spillovers Across Corporate Development Activities," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 21(6), pages 1195-1212, December.
    24. Deepak K. Datta, 1991. "Organizational fit and acquisition performance: Effects of post‐acquisition integration," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 12(4), pages 281-297, May.
    25. Julian Birkinshaw & Tina C. Ambos & Cyril Bouquet, 2017. "Boundary Spanning Activities of Corporate HQ Executives Insights from a Longitudinal Study," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(4), pages 422-454, June.
    26. Melissa E. Graebner, 2004. "Momentum and serendipity: how acquired leaders create value in the integration of technology firms," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(8‐9), pages 751-777, August.
    27. Dubois, Anna & Gadde, Lars-Erik, 2002. "Systematic combining: an abductive approach to case research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 55(7), pages 553-560, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Yipeng & Meyer, Klaus E., 2020. "Boundary spanners, HRM practices, and reverse knowledge transfer: The case of Chinese cross-border acquisitions," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(2).
    2. Benhong Peng & Yinyin Zhao & Ehsan Elahi & Anxia Wan, 2022. "Does the business environment improve the competitiveness of start‐ups? The moderating effect of cross‐border ability and the mediating effect of entrepreneurship," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(5), pages 1173-1185, September.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Colman, Helene Loe, 2020. "Facilitating integration and maintaining autonomy: The role of managerial action and interaction in post-acquisition cabability transfer," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 148-160.
    2. Tian Wei & Jeremy Clegg, 2020. "Untangling the Integration–Performance Link: Levels of Integration and Functional Integration Strategies in Post‐Acquisition Integration," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(8), pages 1643-1689, December.
    3. Maria Chiara Di Guardo & Kathryn Rudie Harrigan & Elona Marku, 2019. "M&A and diversification strategies: what effect on quality of inventive activity?," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 23(3), pages 669-692, September.
    4. Bauer, Florian & King, David & Matzler, Kurt, 2016. "Speed of acquisition integration: Separating the role of human and task integration," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 150-165.
    5. Strobl, Andreas & Bauer, Florian & Matzler, Kurt, 2020. "The impact of industry-wide and target market environmental hostility on entrepreneurial leadership in mergers and acquisitions," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(2).
    6. Sears, Joshua B. & Hitt, Michael A., 2023. "Post-acquisition integrative invention and differences in the quality of target and acquirer technological capabilities," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    7. Wang, Daojuan & Hain, Daniel S. & Larimo, Jorma & Dao, Li T., 2020. "Cultural differences and synergy realization in cross-border acquisitions," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(3).
    8. Yunjae Bae & Kyungsuk Lee & Taewoo Roh, 2020. "Acquirer’s Absorptive Capacity and Firm Performance: The Perspectives of Strategic Behavior and Knowledge Assets," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-28, October.
    9. Ai, Qi & Tan, Hui, 2020. "Uncovering neglected success factors in post-acquisition reverse capability transfer: Evidence from Chinese multinational corporations in Europe," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(3).
    10. Phanish Puranam & Harbir Singh & Saikat Chaudhuri, 2009. "Integrating Acquired Capabilities: When Structural Integration Is (Un)necessary," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(2), pages 313-328, April.
    11. Feiqiong Chen & Yin Wang, 2014. "Integration risk in cross-border M&A based on internal and external resource: empirical evidence from China," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 48(1), pages 281-295, January.
    12. Tamar Almor & Shlomo Y. Tarba & Avital Margalit, 2014. "Maturing, Technology-Based, Born-Global Companies: Surviving Through Mergers and Acquisitions," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 54(4), pages 421-444, August.
    13. Schön, Benjamin & Pyka, Andreas, 2013. "The success factors of technology-sourcing through mergers & acquisitions: An intuitive meta-analysis," FZID Discussion Papers 78-2013, University of Hohenheim, Center for Research on Innovation and Services (FZID).
    14. Aseem Kaul & Brian Wu, 2016. "A capabilities-based perspective on target selection in acquisitions," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(7), pages 1220-1239, July.
    15. Bauer, Florian & Matzler, Kurt & Wolf, Stefan, 2016. "M&A and innovation: The role of integration and cultural differences—A central European targets perspective," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 76-86.
    16. Xiao, Jing, 2018. "Post-acquisition dynamics of technology start-ups: drawing the temporal boundaries of post-acquisition restructuring process," Papers in Innovation Studies 2018/12, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    17. Meglio, Olimpia & Risberg, Annette, 2011. "The (mis)measurement of M&A performance—A systematic narrative literature review," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 418-433.
    18. Colombo, Massimo G. & Rabbiosi, Larissa, 2014. "Technological similarity, post-acquisition R&D reorganization, and innovation performance in horizontal acquisitions," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(6), pages 1039-1054.
    19. He Soung Ahn, 2020. "Sustaining the Family Business through Open Innovation: The Role of Technological Acquisitions in Shareholder Value Creation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-17, September.
    20. Park, Kathleen Marshall & Meglio, Olimpia & Bauer, Florian & Tarba, Shlomo, 2018. "Managing patterns of internationalization, integration, and identity transformation: The post-acquisition metamorphosis of an Arabian Gulf EMNC," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 122-138.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03279605. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: CCSD (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.