The Role of Human Resource Management in Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions

International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 15, No. 8, pp. 1357-1372, December 2004

16 Pages Posted: 21 Sep 2004

See all articles by Ruth V. Aguilera

Ruth V. Aguilera

Northeastern University - Department of International Business and Strategy

John Dencker

Northeastern University - D'Amore-McKim

Abstract

Cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have become the dominant mode of growth for firms seeking competitive advantage in an increasingly complex and global business economy. Although Human Resource Management (HRM) can play a value-adding role in the merger process, existing research and evidence does not clearly demonstrate how it can do so. This paper addresses the neglected human side of M&As by providing a strategic fit framework to assess the link between M&A strategy and HRM strategy. Because cross-border M&As are an order of magnitude more complex than domestic mergers, we examine contingencies in national contexts that influence outcomes in the merger process. We draw on recent empirical evidence to highlight HRM roles in terms of resources, processes, and values that reflect the influence of both strategic fit and national context in the integration stage of cross-border M&A.

Keywords: Human Resource Management; Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, International Management, Varieties of Capitalism

JEL Classification: J5, M1, N2, P1, P5

Suggested Citation

Aguilera, Ruth V. and Dencker, John, The Role of Human Resource Management in Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions. International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 15, No. 8, pp. 1357-1372, December 2004, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=593526

Ruth V. Aguilera (Contact Author)

Northeastern University - Department of International Business and Strategy ( email )

Boston, MA 02115
United States

John Dencker

Northeastern University - D'Amore-McKim ( email )

360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
4,641
Abstract Views
19,614
Rank
3,825
PlumX Metrics