Dynamic Capabilities in Acquisitions: When Acquirer and Target Employees Face Contradictory and Complementary Human Resource Signals

Dynamic capabilities like organizational agility and M&A capabilities are crucial for firm success but can be complementary or conflicting. Conflicting HR signals during M&A integration hinder knowledge transfer and create acquirer–target conflict, while complementary signals improve outcomes. Agility consistently reduces conflict and enhances knowledge transfer more effectively than M&A capabilities, making it a priority. Managers should align HR practices, minimize mixed messages, and address workforce stressors like anxiety and cultural challenges through transparent communication and support programs to maximize M&A value.

Unlock key strategies to align agility and M&A capabilities for seamless integrations and lasting success.

Explore how the shared understanding of “who knows what” impact acquisition success.

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The founders, Mai Anh Dao and Florian Bauer, view target screening as the central strategic task of corporate development, one in which control, transparency, and traceability are crucial.

Financial figures are not, as usual, the sole search criteria but merely serve as selection criteria.