Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 98-103).

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are not only becoming more common globally, but they are also increasing in size and value in Sweden. The pace of this trend has not even slowed down due to the eruption of the global pandemic, there is rather a tendency showing the opposite. In solitude may this have its reasonable causes but when delving deeper into the matter may the effects of a M&A be alarming, especially for the individual. Scholars are often stressing their concerns that M&As often ends in failure or being devastating in terms of their performance. While some have argued that cultural aspects play a crucial part for the realization of a deal- transaction, have the findings either been inconclusive or inconsistent.  This thesis is therefore exploring the notion of culture and the role it plays in the M&A-process, particularly the pre-deal phase in order to shed light on the matter. By doing so have a theoretical framework been developed that connects the phases of the M&A-process with social identity theory and the modes of acculturation which the seller and buyer may desire prior to entering a deal. Thus, by investigating the actions taken by both an acquirer, “Alfa”, and a targeted firm, “Bravo”, from an acquisition in 2021, have a case study been developed for a later thematic analysis. While the former is a publicly listed company in the central regions of Sweden, is the latter a privately held company in the northern parts. Both companies operate within the construction industry which may limit the transferability to other settings. However, the methodological and qualitative design choices of this study make it possible to favor interpretations and inductive reasoning of the semi-structured interviews through which the data has been collected.  It has been found that there is no one best way for companies who are entering a M&A-deal to make sure that they will be culturally congruent with one another and that various acculturation modes might be simultaneously occurring. From the case has the modes of integration and separation been found to be present which have caused acculturation stress to transpire during the post-deal phase. Having a decentralized structure in tandem with clear communication and sharing information to those individuals being affected by the M&A has been found to be vital factors for mitigating acculturation stress, making parties more congruent, and creating favorable conditions in which implementation can be successful.

Yes / This paper systematically examines (i) how individual personality can influence on cultural acculturation which can impact on the higher level of perceived value in LGBTs, and (ii) how the higher level of perceived value towards social media can result in being more satisfied, (iii) consequently having a better working life at workplace and performance proficiency. The generated framework was validated through a survey from multinational corporations in multi-industries such as higher education (with more than two campuses around the world), global fashion, global retailing, tourism, hospitality, food, and electronics and information technology. Key results, implications for managers and researchers are highlighted.

The literature on immigration divides migrants into two distinct categories: immigrants who voluntarily leave their home countries in search of better opportunities, and refugees who are forced to leave because their lives or personal freedom is under threat. However, since many South Africans have emigrated (and continue to do so) because of fears for their safety as a result of the high levels of crime and violence in the country, they could be regarded as "reluctant immigrants" or "anticipatory refugees" (Kunz, cited in Khawaja & Mason, 2008, p. 228). In 2013, South Africans were in the top five source countries for immigrants to New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2013), but they had been the focus of only a few research studies (Meares, 2007, p. 49). A possible reason for this lack of research is the fact that most South Africans are fluent enough in English, are usually able to find employment, and because of cultural and religious similarities, can be integrated with greater ease into New Zealand society (Meares, 2007). Hence researchers probably assume that the settlement experience of South African immigrants in New Zealand is similar to that of skilled immigrants from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This qualitative study sought to explore the immigration journeys of nine South African families living in Wellington, New Zealand, by conducting autobiographical narrative interviews. The goal was to understand their experiences and the outcomes of emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand. The research aimed to describe adaptation across the pre- and post-migration phases and the factors that impacted on the immigration process, as well as acculturation stress, coping strategies and the support systems utilised. Thematic network analysis was used to extract common themes across participant narratives to develop ecomodels for assessment and intervention with South African immigrants in New Zealand. The results of this study confirmed that despite similarities between the two countries, South African immigrants in New Zealand experienced considerable adaptation difficulties. Women, adolescents and older adults were at particular risk of developing psychological problems, such as chronic depression. Additional risk factors were pre-migration trauma, family conflict, emigrating with a visitor's visa, unrealistic expectations, underemployment and financial hardship, marital discord, loneliness and alienation from New Zealand society. Important protective factors were commitment to the immigration process, thorough premigration planning and adequate support upon arrival, equitable employment and financial growth, family cohesion, religious beliefs, a positive mindset, fortitude, a sense of humour, family reunification and social connectedness in New Zealand society. It was recommended that the South African settled community fulfil an active role in supporting newcomers, and that New Zealand policy makers establish systems to foster multiculturalism in New Zealand. / Psychology / D.Litt.et Phil. (Psychology)

The literature on immigration divides migrants into two distinct categories: immigrants who voluntarily leave their home countries in search of better opportunities, and refugees who are forced to leave because their lives or personal freedom is under threat. However, since many South Africans have emigrated (and continue to do so) because of fears for their safety as a result of the high levels of crime and violence in the country, they could be regarded as "reluctant immigrants" or "anticipatory refugees" (Kunz, cited in Khawaja & Mason, 2008, p. 228). In 2013, South Africans were in the top five source countries for immigrants to New Zealand (Statistics New Zealand, 2013), but they had been the focus of only a few research studies (Meares, 2007, p. 49). A possible reason for this lack of research is the fact that most South Africans are fluent enough in English, are usually able to find employment, and because of cultural and religious similarities, can be integrated with greater ease into New Zealand society (Meares, 2007). Hence researchers probably assume that the settlement experience of South African immigrants in New Zealand is similar to that of skilled immigrants from countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This qualitative study sought to explore the immigration journeys of nine South African families living in Wellington, New Zealand, by conducting autobiographical narrative interviews. The goal was to understand their experiences and the outcomes of emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand. The research aimed to describe adaptation across the pre- and post-migration phases and the factors that impacted on the immigration process, as well as acculturation stress, coping strategies and the support systems utilised. Thematic network analysis was used to extract common themes across participant narratives to develop ecomodels for assessment and intervention with South African immigrants in New Zealand. The results of this study confirmed that despite similarities between the two countries, South African immigrants in New Zealand experienced considerable adaptation difficulties. Women, adolescents and older adults were at particular risk of developing psychological problems, such as chronic depression. Additional risk factors were pre-migration trauma, family conflict, emigrating with a visitor's visa, unrealistic expectations, underemployment and financial hardship, marital discord, loneliness and alienation from New Zealand society. Important protective factors were commitment to the immigration process, thorough premigration planning and adequate support upon arrival, equitable employment and financial growth, family cohesion, religious beliefs, a positive mindset, fortitude, a sense of humour, family reunification and social connectedness in New Zealand society. It was recommended that the South African settled community fulfil an active role in supporting newcomers, and that New Zealand policy makers establish systems to foster multiculturalism in New Zealand. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

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