The effect of mergers and acquisitions : focus on employee job satisfaction of former employees of Smartcom in Vodacom SA

[摘要] The general purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the relationshipbetween organisational mergers and/or acquisitions and job satisfaction. Specifically, theconcept of job satisfaction was examined in relation to ex-Smartcom employees who weremoved to Vodacom after the acquisition of Smartcom.Variables such as age, marital status, educational level, gender and job security wereexamined for a possible significant relationship to employee job satisfaction. Managementinvolvement and intervention during the acquisition were also examined to establishwhether or not this also affects employee job satisfaction. It was hypothesised thatemployees were dissatisfied as a result of the acquisition.The researcher used a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods ofcollecting data. Through questionnaires, interviews and observation, the researcherachieved what is called 'triangulation' in order to get a better understanding of the results.The data was gathered and analysed effectively by using different methods of collectingand measuring data. This was done to ensure that the study's trustworthiness, validationand reliability. The results are discussed in terms of the hypothesis set in the study. This isdone through a discussion of the conclusion drawn from the findings. Even thoughemployees are dissatisfied as a result of mergers and acquisitions, it was found that thereare other factors such as work environment, pay, recognition, responsibility, team work,and security that can also lead to employee dissatisfaction.It was therefore concluded that when an acquisition is made, management should not onlyfocus on the bottom-line, but also pay attention to the human factors that can lead to thefailure or success of the acquisition. Integration and intervention programmes can be usedas mechanisms for successful operations post mergers and acquisitions.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University