The impact of mergers in higher education on micro-level processes – a literature review

Abstract

Amidst increased research on mergers in higher education, studies addressing micro level processes are scarce and fragmented across disciplines: our aim is to systematically review existing studies, providing implications for research and practice. We grouped 21 studies from different countries under four themes: academic identity and self-image; cultural integration; staff reaction; teaching and research. Timing, status of institutions and staff, and disciplinary cultures apparently affect post-merger micro-level processes. Policy reforms might indirectly address micro-level processes following a merger, for example in a change of academic identities. Few studies investigated the impact of mergers on teaching and research activities. Studying merger consequences for academic core activities is complex, requiring a longer perspective involving students, staff and quantitative indicators. Longitudinal design in further studies might investigate changes from different angles and for different staff groups and students, exploring country differences in micro-level processes, applying a comparative design. Despite limitations, our review might inform the planning of merger processes regarding reactions at micro level.

Reflecting on the experience of the rationalisation and consolidation of the faculties and campuses at Walter Sisulu University: successes and challenges

“…Other examples of studies from knowledge-intense organizations, such as museums (Geschwind, 2019), accentuate how one might influence organizational change via Technical Universities' Organizational Identities, Boundaries, and Change Processes 4 Multiple professional identities, some of which may be in conflict, coexist inside the same organization. The body of existing research advises beginning the study of identity processes with the supposition that HEI local narratives serve as a means of communicating organizational identity (Wollscheid, & Røsdal, 2021).…”

Mergers and acquisitions in higher education: experiences of senior leaders

“…As difficult as these situations can be for faculty members, mergers also provide a wealth of opportunities including a chance to rethink priorities, reevaluate the current organization, and explore new possibilities (Adedoyin et al, 2016). Despite the heightened stress and increased uncertainty that generally accompany mergers, most employees within the academic fields will continue their teaching and research, experiencing only minor changes to their professional roles and responsibilities (Wollscheid & Røsdal, 2021).…”

“…Mergers often result in staff reductions to increase organizational efficiency, resulting in elimination of duplicate resources to achieve synergy goals. Staff employees therefore experience increased stress resulting from potential loss of employment and the sometimes-extensive organizational changes (Wollscheid & Røsdal, 2021). These changes and the reality of a disruption in the lives of some individuals is a frequent occurrence in mergers, but this is not necessarily the case for all employees.…”