Ingmar Björkman, Günter K Stahl, Eero Vaara
This paper presents an integrative model of the impact of cultural differences on capability transfer in cross-border acquisitions. We propose that cultural differences affect the post-acquisition capability transfer through their impact on social integration, potential absorptive capacity, and capability complementarity. Two dynamic variables - the use of social integration mechanisms, and the degree of operational integration of the acquired unit - are proposed to moderate the effects of cultural differences on social integration and potential absorptive capacity. The implications for acquisition research and practice are discussed. © 2007 Academy of International Business. All rights reserved.
Department of Management and Organisation, Swedish School of Economics, Helsinki, Finland; INSEAD Euro-Asia and Comparative Management Research Centre, Fontainebleau, France; INSEAD, Singapore, Singapore; Ecole de Management de Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Management and Organisation, Swedish School of Economics (Hanken), Helsinki 00101, Post Box 479, Finland
