In sum, the relationship between culturaldifferences and M&A outcomes has been
found to be complex and to vary across industries and outcome measures (Weber, 1996). At the same time, researchers have established a clearer relationship between actively
managing culture and achieving desired M&A outcomes (Schweiger & Goulet, 2005).
Whether cultural differences have a positive or negative impact on M&A performance depends on (1) the nature and extent of those differences,
(2) the interventions used to manage them, and
(3) the integration approach taken (Stahl, Pucil, Evans, & Mendhall, 2004).
Thus, the answer to the question of how to best handle the cultural aspects of M&A is not necessarily to find a partner with a similar or compatible culture. Rather, it is a
matter of managing cultural differences through a comprehensive approach that builds cultural understanding and promotes creative synergies.