Sensemaking in turbulence : an analysis of the merger of the Central University of Technology from a sensemaking perspective

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study takes as starting point the observation in sensemaking theory that autonomicarousal is accompanied by a loss of existing frames and cues and the consequential cognitiveimplosion. Situations such as these are marked by a crisis in identity construction and theresultant loss of sense being made. The aim of the study was to find out to what extent thisphenomenon is at play during a merger between two organizations. Specifically to what extentthis phenomenon did manifest itself among the employees of the Central University ofTechnology in Welkom after the merger of the former Welkom Campus of Vista Universityand the Technikon Free State.The study starts with an overview of the literature on corporate mergers; focusing on researchon effects with regards to (i) how the different gender groups of employees were affected bythese interruptions, (ii) how employees with diverse levels of experience were affected, (iii) towhat extent the qualifications of employees was a factor regarding the impact of thisautonomic arousal and (iv) whether race was a factor in determining the extent of autonomicarousal.The above is followed by an explanation of the sensemaking perspective and the nature of andmoment for autonomic arousal. It is argued that organizational mergers represent aninterruption in the ongoing flow of sensemaking that could lead to autonomic arousal.Using sensemaking theory and autonomic arousal as a theoretical starting point, interviewswere conducted with key figures in the specific merger between the Vista University WelkomCampus and the Technikon Free State. The respondents were selected using the snowballingsampling technique. The idea behind the interviews was to demonstrate how staff memberswere emotionally affected by the interruption of the merger and how it had an impact on theirperceptions about their work.It was found that the flow of experience was interrupted and as cues and frames were reduced,the employees focussed more on personal issues.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University