Cultures Integration in Mergers and Acquisitions: Putting Managers Together In A Business Simulation

Abstract

This paper describes the use of an Experiential Learning tool - a business simulation - adopted in a Managerial Education Program to develop integrated vision of the business units in a Brazilian company working in the package industry that has adopted the merger and acquisition growth strategy. One of the critical issues is the need for cultures integration to preserve former values, showing respect for people involved in merger and acquisitions decision making because of the fact that an organizational’s most valued asset is its people.