HRM issues and outcomes in African mergers and acquisitions: A study of the Nigerian banking sector

Despite the increasing number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) taking place in Africa, research of this phenomenon, particularly in this continent, is extremely scarce. There is also growing awareness amongst researchers of the importance of human resource management (HRM) practices in general throughout the merger process. This makes an enquiry into its role in this context opportune. By analysing the recent M&A wave in the Nigerian banking sector, this paper explores HRM practices throughout the M&A process. Through interviews of key informants in each merging bank, key HRM practices are identified and conclusions drawn about their contribution to overall M&A outcomes. Implications for theory and practice are discussed and future research directions offered.