Knowledge Management in M&A: Pivotal Contributions of Human Resource Management

Abstract

In Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) processes, Human Resource Management emerges as a pivotal mechanism for knowledge preservation and integration. In a context of growing geopolitical tensions, the macroeconomic environment has become more restrictive, conditioning the scenarios in which companies define and execute their strategic decisions. One of the main challenges lies in promoting transnational transactions, helping to achieve the objectives of competitiveness, growth and business sustainability. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) processes have increasingly been used as a strategic option in recent years, justified specifically by growth, diversification, elimination of competition and, above all, the acquisition of knowledge. However, the demand for specialised talent with technical and behavioural qualifications required to lead these processes and the need to integrate post-merger knowledge bring added challenges to HR management professionals as strategic agents in the success of organisational restructuring processes. Based on the premise that a significant part of the success or failure of M&A processes is associated with the human dimension, this research aims to analyse the contribution of human resource managers in preserving and integrating knowledge in M&A contexts. In particular, it seeks to understand how HR managers contribute to these processes as knowledge management agents. To this end, a qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews as the main technique for gathering information from 11 C-level professionals, specifically Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), with extensive expertise in M&A processes in global companies. The results of the study suggest that HR managers play a key role in M&A processes, particularly by helping to mitigate problems related to human capital expectations and needs, as well as the effective management of talent through different HR practices. These practices contribute to the acquisition, dissemination and transformation of knowledge as a determining factor in the success of M&A processes. This study offers an in-depth understanding of HRM's role in M&A processes, acknowledges its limitations, and suggests directions for future research.