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Employee communication during mergers : sensegiving communication by middle managers aiding employees’ sensemaking of a merger

Eidmann, E.C. (2023) Employee communication during mergers : sensegiving communication by middle managers aiding employees’ sensemaking of a merger.

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Abstract:This study set out to illuminate the perspective of lower-level employees by evaluating sensegiving practices they recognized and appreciated in their middle managers’ communication regarding their own sensemaking of a merger. The study is based on twelve semi-structured interviews with employees who experienced a merger. To rationalize the merger and overcome uncertainties caused by it, the interviewees were reliant on receiving information, knowing their role in the new organization, and having the possibility to contribute to the merger’s outcome. All interview participants engaged in sensemaking and all but one recognized and appreciated their middle managers’ communication as sensegiving. Hereby, a good relationship between employees and their middle managers has shown to facilitate employees’ sensemaking, whereas a more complicated relationship led to higher senseseeking. By fulfilling their role as mediators, and implementing a good structure, as well as a caring atmosphere in their teams, middle managers could set the tone for sensegiving. Furthermore, the middle managers’ bridging function between their teams and the rest of the company, especially the top management; framing the merger, among other things, as a valuable learning opportunity; and comforting their employees throughout the process were recognized and appreciated as valuable modes of sensegiving by the interviewees.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Communication Studies MSc (60713)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/94292
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