Experience and Learning in Corporate Acquisitions, 1st ed. 2019
Theoretical Approaches, Research Themes and Implications

This book analyses mergers and acquisitions within the broader framework of strategic decisions. Existing studies on corporate acquisitions have produced a variegated and inconclusive spectrum of findings on the strategic mechanisms that contribute to value creation. By building on the widespread recognition that firms substantially differ in their ability to carry out successful acquisitions, this book focuses on the diverse effects of experiential learning. A unique systematic literature review is provided, which thematically highlights the connections between various streams of research. The author aims to systematise our knowledge on experience and learning dynamics in corporate acquisitions, providing a detailed analysis of conceptual implications and presenting potential avenues for future exploration.

Introduction.- 1. Strategic Decisions: Theoretical Foundations of Organizational Decision-making.- 2. Experience and Learning: Theoretical Perspectives and Effects on Strategic Decision-making.- 3. Mergers and Acquisitions as Strategic Decisions.- 4. Systematic Literature Review on Experience and Learning in Acquisitions: Search Strategy and Data Synthesis.- 5. Conceptualization of Experience and Learning in Acquisitions: A Thematic Evolution.- 6. Thematic Analysis of Experience and Learning Effects in Acquisitions.- 7. Methodological Approaches to the Empirical Examination of Experience and Learning in Acquisitions.- 8. Implications for Research and Conclusions.

Ilaria Galavotti is a Postdoctoral researcher in Management at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy. Her research focuses on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, organisational learning, and the role of firm experience. She has published articles in refereed journals and regularly presents her research at international academic meetings.