In the business world, mergers and acquisitions are a common strategy for growth and expansion. While the benefits of merging two companies can be significant, the process can also be challenging for employees who are unsure of what the future holds for them. Motivation plays a critical role during these times, and companies must understand how to motivate their employees to ensure a successful merger. This case study examines the impact of motivational theories on a merger between two companies, A and B. Company A is a well-established firm in the pharmaceutical industry, while Company B is a relatively new player in the market but has shown great potential in its short existence. In a bid to expand its market share, Company A decided to merge with Company B. The merger was expected to be completed in six months, and the management teams of both companies were tasked with ensuring a smooth transition. Before the merger, both companies had different cultures and management styles. Company A was known for its hierarchical structure, with decision-making power centralized at the top. On the other hand, Company B had a more relaxed culture, with decision-making power distributed across various levels. The employees of both companies were concerned about how the merger would affect their roles, job security, and their overall satisfaction at work. To address these concerns, the management team decided to use motivational theories to ensure that employees remained motivated and committed to the merger. The first theory they used was Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which states that people have different needs, and these needs are arranged in a hierarchical order. The most basic needs are physiological needs, such as food and shelter, followed by safety needs, social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. The second theory that the management team used was Herzberg's two-factor theory, which states that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are caused by two sets of factors - hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors are factors that prevent dissatisfaction, such as salary, job security, and working conditions. Motivators are factors that lead to job satisfaction, such as recognition, achievement, and growth opportunities. The third theory that the management team used was the expectancy theory, which states that people are motivated by their belief that their effort will lead to a desirable outcome. The management team recognized that employees needed to see the benefits of the merger to remain motivated.    The management team recognized that employees of both companies had different needs, and they needed to address these needs to ensure a successful merger. Address the employee concerns applying the three motivational theories: Explain how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can be used to address the concerns about job security, safety needs, and those that had esteem needs.  Explain how Herzberg's two-factor theory could address the different hygiene factors and motivators for Company A and Company B. Make sure to describe the hygiene factors and motivators for each company.   Explain how the expectancy theory could increase motivation and commitment to the merger. Make sure to include the potential benefits of the merger.

Understanding Business
12th Edition
ISBN:9781259929434
Author:William Nickels
Publisher:William Nickels
Chapter1: Taking Risks And Making Profits Within The Dynamic Business Environment
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In the business world, mergers and acquisitions are a common strategy for growth and expansion. While the benefits of merging two companies can be significant, the process can also be challenging for employees who are unsure of what the future holds for them. Motivation plays a critical role during these times, and companies must understand how to motivate their employees to ensure a successful merger. This case study examines the impact of motivational theories on a merger between two companies, A and B.

Company A is a well-established firm in the pharmaceutical industry, while Company B is a relatively new player in the market but has shown great potential in its short existence. In a bid to expand its market share, Company A decided to merge with Company B. The merger was expected to be completed in six months, and the management teams of both companies were tasked with ensuring a smooth transition.

Before the merger, both companies had different cultures and management styles. Company A was known for its hierarchical structure, with decision-making power centralized at the top. On the other hand, Company B had a more relaxed culture, with decision-making power distributed across various levels. The employees of both companies were concerned about how the merger would affect their roles, job security, and their overall satisfaction at work.

To address these concerns, the management team decided to use motivational theories to ensure that employees remained motivated and committed to the merger.

The first theory they used was Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which states that people have different needs, and these needs are arranged in a hierarchical order. The most basic needs are physiological needs, such as food and shelter, followed by safety needs, social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs.

The second theory that the management team used was Herzberg's two-factor theory, which states that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are caused by two sets of factors - hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors are factors that prevent dissatisfaction, such as salary, job security, and working conditions. Motivators are factors that lead to job satisfaction, such as recognition, achievement, and growth opportunities.

The third theory that the management team used was the expectancy theory, which states that people are motivated by their belief that their effort will lead to a desirable outcome. The management team recognized that employees needed to see the benefits of the merger to remain motivated. 

 

The management team recognized that employees of both companies had different needs, and they needed to address these needs to ensure a successful merger. Address the employee concerns applying the three motivational theories:

    1. Explain how Maslow's hierarchy of needs can be used to address the concerns about job security, safety needs, and those that had esteem needs. 
    2. Explain how Herzberg's two-factor theory could address the different hygiene factors and motivators for Company A and Company B. Make sure to describe the hygiene factors and motivators for each company.  
    3. Explain how the expectancy theory could increase motivation and commitment to the merger. Make sure to include the potential benefits of the merger. 
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