Date of Award

Spring 2019

Document Type

Thesis Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication Studies

Committee Chairperson

Maxine Gesualdi, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Ola Kapacz, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Edward Lordan, Ph.D.

Abstract

As the number of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the global market continues to increase, an understanding of how culture is communicated in these transactions is paramount. A successful and unified organizational culture is important to the long-term success of organizations. To secure a market advantage, organizations continue to engage in these large-scale cross-border transactions. This industry-behavior is significant because the cultures within these transactions undergo drastic change due to national and organizational differences.

The purpose of this study is to examine discussions of culture from company and third-party perspectives. The cross-border M&As that will be examined in this project include: (1) Daimler-Benz’s acquisition of Chrysler, (2) Pfizer’s acquisition of Pharmacia, and (3) InBev’s acquisition of Anheuser Busch. Findings indicate important differences between company and third-party discussions of culture. Because companies need to retain the support of stakeholders, the information provided in company materials is specifically chosen to reflect positively on the company. On the other hand, because the role of third-parties is to comprehensively report on companies, their materials include both positive and negative aspects of culture following cross-border transactions.

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