Merging Realities

Management must recognize the negative feelings of employees when merger discussions begin.

Expecting employees to maintain a calm, positive, wait-and-see attitude when the word leaks out that a merger transaction is being considered is unrealistic.  Only when the failure of the business appears to employees as inevitable will most employees view a pending transaction positively.  Even in that circumstance, most will still be concerned about their future role.  Merger decision-makers need to acknowledge the employee concerns that will occur and openly acknowledge them to minimize their impact.