Theorizing in the qualitative study of mergers & acquisitions

Satu Teerikangas and Helene Loe Colman

Scandinavian Journal of Management, 2020, vol. 36, issue 1

Abstract: This paper focuses on theorizing in the study of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), a globally significant inter-organizational phenomenon. We analyze 76 qualitative papers on M&As published in leading management journals between 1966–2016. We identify five modes of theorizing in the study of M&As. We find that M&A scholars make theoretical contributions using different theoretical positioning and research design strategies. The majority of the papers offer a contribution to middle-range theorizing (i.e., the literature on M&As), while a third of the papers also contribute to higher-order, or grand theories in management. In closing, this leads us to call for a rejuvenation of middle-range theorizing in management research.

Keywords: Mergers and acquisitions; Theory building; Theoretical contribution; Middle-range theory; Phenomenon-based research; Qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.scaman.2019.101090

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