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Enhancing Cooperation in HEI Mergers

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  • Outi-Maaria Palo-oja
  • Pasi Juvonen

Abstract

Higher education institutes (HEIs) have sought efficiency through mergers and consolidations. These bigger units have been studied regarding organizational culture, performance and efficiency but rarely from an individual perspective. In this study, we focus on a micro-level examination of how the people of the merging organizations make sense of the new organization’s strategy and the cooperation required to implement it. The collaboration of recently consolidated HEI is studied by interviewing 18 employees with different positions. We applied systematic methodology for conducting qualitative analysis research. The findings indicate that clearly expressed strategy and purposeful goal-setting combined with a certain level of flexibility help employees implement strategy and cooperate with their new colleagues. However, the goal of cooperation must be genuine, which requires resources, clear roles and honest praise after success. The study contributes to HEI merger literature by highlighting the means and roles of individuals in coping with the uncertainty caused by the merger of two previously independent organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Outi-Maaria Palo-oja & Pasi Juvonen, 2024. "Enhancing Cooperation in HEI Mergers," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 13(1), pages 117-129, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sajbmc:v:13:y:2024:i:1:p:117-129
    DOI: 10.1177/22779779241236823
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Vlaar, P.W.L. & van den Bosch, F.A.J., 2006. "Coping with Problems of Understanding in Interorganizational Relationships: Using Formalization as a Means to make Sense," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2006-034-STR, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
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    4. Jill Johnes & Mike G Tsionas, 2019. "Dynamics of Inefficiency and Merger in English Higher Education From 1996/97 to 2008/9: A Comparison of Pre‐Merging, Post‐Merging and Non‐Merging Universities Using Bayesian Methods," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 87(3), pages 297-323, June.
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