Title: The stepfamily metaphor: further insights and alternatives for understanding the M&A discourse

Authors: Regine Bendl; Helene Mayerhofer; Angelika Schmidt

Addresses: Group for Gender and Diversity Management, Department of Management, WU – Vienna University of Economic and Business, Augasse 2-6, 1090 Vienna, Austria. ' Institute for Human Resource Management, Department of Management, WU – Vienna University of Economic and Business, Augasse 2-6, 1090 Vienna, Austria. ' Institute for Change Management and Management Development, Department of Management, WU – Vienna University of Economic and Business, Augasse 2-6, 1090 Vienna, Austria

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyse the heuristic value of the stepfamily metaphor for describing and formulating non-economic issues of merged and acquired (M&A) companies. Based on organisational discourse methodology we evaluate the stepfamily metaphor introduced by Allred et al. and provide new insights into the nature, antecedents and processes of M&As. Firstly, we review arguments for considering M&A corporations as stepfamilies. Secondly, we introduce Cornelissen's domain-interaction model for evaluating metaphors. Thirdly, we apply the model to appraise the heuristic value of the stepfamily metaphor. Lastly, we discuss how the stepfamily metaphor can transcend the limitations of rational-economic explanations for M&A failures and propose variations on the stepfamily to enhance understanding of M&A.

Keywords: post-merger corporations; post-acquisition corporations; metaphor evaluation; stepfamilies; heteronormativity; M&As; mergers and acquisitions.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2012.048155

European Journal of International Management, 2012 Vol.6 No.4, pp.395 - 420

Published online: 22 Nov 2014 *

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