Information systems research on mergers and acquisitions: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose

Thus, this study aims to determine the status-quo of research on the role of IT in M&A from 2010 to 2022 by providing a summative meta-analysis of this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a meta-analysis of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) research in information systems (IS), aimed at accounting for themes in M&A literature over the past 13 years, research methodology, research frameworks, level of analysis and geographical distribution. A total of 47 articles from 24 peer review articles and 23 conference publications were analyzed from 2010 to 2022.

Findings

Findings of the study suggest that M&A research in IS emphasizes IS integration at the expense of other under-explored dimensions such as M&A context, stakeholder involvement and within-firm conditions. Although studies on M&A have increased over the past 10 years, a significant number of studies have not been underpinned by models and theories. Also, a large number of studies adopted the qualitative approach as research methodology compared to quantitative, design science and mixed methods.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on M&A in IS by proposing an M&A in IS research framework that bridges the gap between existing and future studies on M&A in IS research by shedding more light into well research areas and opportunities for further studies.

Citation

Aboagye-Darko, D., Attuquayefio, S.N.B., Ankomah, N., Okronipa, A.Q. and Nyame, J.Y. (2024), "Information systems research on mergers and acquisitions: a systematic literature review", Kybernetes, Vol. 53 No. 12, pp. 5560-5581. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-05-2023-0763