Understanding the dynamic socio-technical aspects of merger and acquisition integration in the IT industry : a model-based framework

Abstract

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) enable organizations to broaden their set of capabilities that equip them better to deal with the challenges lying ahead. While M&A transaction values account trillions of dollars each year, their success rate is surprisingly low. In spite of this, the amount of research aimed at reducing the uncertainty and risk associated with a M&A transaction is limited. In order to continue filling this gap, this research focuses on the socio-technical aspects of a merger or acquisition in the IT industry. This thesis examines available research literature and current best practices in the industry. Additionally, this study identifies five focus culture areas from empiric qualitative data acquired in the field. The focus areas examined in this thesis correspond to the most significant cultural challenges faced during an IT acquisition. Based on the initial findings stemming from a literature review and data analysis, this thesis develops a system dynamics model, which simulates transient behavior of the complex socio-technical underlying structures of an IT merger. This thesis thereafter proposes a model-based IT integration framework to assist the M&A management team and decision making leadership in their assessment, development and maintenance of a sound organizational model geared at supporting current and future M&A transactions. Given the fact that research on this topic is limited, this thesis represents only an initial effort to further the understanding of M&A. Further research must be developed in the future to validate this model-based IT integration framework, including improved methods of acquiring socio-technical attributes.