Post-merger Experiences at Danish Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

While the analysis in Chap. 12 focused on the merger process up to the merger decisions, this chapter takes the analysis one step further and looks at the results of the mergers concerning Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen and Aalborg University over the 8 years following the formal mergers in 2007. The chapter addresses two main questions: How have the post-merger processes been handled at the institutions, particularly in relation to internal integration? What kind of consequences can be observed, up to 2015, within the three selected institutions as a consequence of the merger processes? The chapter builds on the argument that the particular form of any merger is likely to have a major influence on the character of the subsequent merger process, the kinds of difficulties likely to be experienced, the pattern of structures likely to emerge, and the likelihood of success. The analysis is based on document analysis, interviews and observations. Data from Psychological Workplace Environment Assessments and survey material from within the universities are also included.