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‘M&A Culture Comparison’ Pathway Audit™…..

Your questions answered

What is the ‘M&A Culture Comparison’ Pathway Audit?

A focused management questionnaire and analysis which gives your executive team key information on your organisation culture. It focuses on two key cultural drivers – behavioural style and critical systems in the areas of Leadership & Management, Knowledge/Skills Management, Employee Engagement and Shared Values.

Why use it?

On its own, it gives you a perspective on the key drivers to your organisation culture. In an M&A situation, if both parties use the questionnaire, it highlights key differences between the two party’s cultural drivers. This can be essential information in the subsequent harmonisation of the two organisations into one. Cultural differences are often cited as a key reason why M&A’s do not deliver as expected, so this audit can identify different cultural aspects and underpin successful M&A delivery.

How do I use it?

Members of each party’s M&A teams individually complete a simple on-line survey, usually taking no longer than thirty minutes. The results are analysed and presented to highlight key similarities and differences. The integration team can then use this information in the planning of its approach to people and cultural harmonisation.

When is it used?

The ‘M&A Culture Comparison’ audit is best used at the due diligence or planning stages of an M&A, after parties have agreed in principle to proceed. The earlier it is used in the process, the more planning time will be available. With one party alone, it can also be used at any point in time as a ‘cultural yardstick’, but in the M&A situation, both parties completing it gives the most powerful cultural comparisons.

Where can I find the audit?

Pathway Audits are available through Business Enlightenment which publishes a range of management audits. Find out more by visiting www.business-enlightenment.com  

Who creates the audits?

Experienced authors, who have both senior corporate and consultancy background and over thirty years’ experience of organisation development, M&A and change programmes. Their knowledge and experience is an invaluable resource.