RIEB, Kobe University

Mind Your Language! : Role of Target Firm Language in Post-Merger Integration

This paper reviews the role of language in international business in general and specifically highlights the role in post-merger integration process. Based on our review and building on earlier works, this paper develops a conceptual model regarding the use of language in different merger and acquisitions integration scenarios and identifies the key resource mix that may be suited for an effective deployment of language strategies. We argue that the use of a language at the target depends on the strategic interdependence as well as the organizational autonomy at the target firm. The paper states testable propositions for future research in a post-merger integration context.