Common Patterns of Behavior and Communication in Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions

This study of common patterns of communication and behavior in mergers and acquisitions relied on a survey of twenty‐one managers and professionals in acquired organizations in three separate mergers or acquisitions (M/A). The survey used focused interviews to construct three cases. Common patterns are identified and a syndrome is specified connecting communication variables with rumor mills, employee turnover, and employee commitment to the new organization.