Audrey Missonier

The evolution of the governance model in instances of highly innovative strategic mergers

Purpose – This paper aims to answer two questions: firstly, how does the mode of corporate governance evolve following a merger between two specific companies looking for a joint innovation policy? Secondly, what are the factors that guide decision makers towards choosing one governance model over another?Design/methodology/approach – In order to answer these questions, this study focuses on two unlisted SMEs within the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, where joint innovation plays a key role. The authors studied the corporate governance decisions made during a strategic alliance between a small enterprise (called eStat) and a medium‐sized enterprise (called Mediametrie), formed with a view to building a strategic partnership based on technological innovation. The method chosen to carry out this research involved a single case study based on passive observation (153 days of observation), participant observation, the conducting of 70 semi‐structured interviews and the analysis of inter...

Transmission of family businesses in France

Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to show to what extent psychological, cultural and behavioural factors can influence on the succession process in the particular case of family‐run businesses? Design/methodology/approach – Data on 12 directors of family‐run SME were grouped together on the basis of questions derived from the research question. To do this, the authors operated using a principle guided by cross referencing responses, that is, finding the incidence of elements that make it possible to justify substantively the existence of the category and the common existence of these elements within the cases studied. Findings – The thematic analysis performed made it possible to highlight five main motives for cultural and psychological resistance in former directors: the loss of power and influence, the risk of deconstruction, the loss of professional and social legitimacy, the loss of references and meaning, and the refusal of old age and death. Originality/value – The results show that transferors search for connections in the aim of identifying common points of anchor, affinities on to which they can project themselves as an element of continuity or an extension of their personality. The paper can in particular note the importance given to cultural proximity and to previous professional relations with the transferor. These criteria, unlike personal factors, are of the interpersonal type and thus deeply imprinted on the transferors most intimate desires and motivations, including the main desire, which is to search for all that can make possible an extension of himself within his company and thus ensure the permanence of his values and his time at the organisation.

Mergers between size‐unequal partners: strategic risks and hurdles

Purpose – This article aims to explore how and why the creation of technological innovation during a merger can end in failure. The objective is to propose new analytical elements to improve the formulation and execution of the integration process between an SME (small and medium enterprise) and a large enterprise.Design/methodology/approach – The authors develop a theoretical framework based on the main research results from several fields, including technology transfer, innovation dissemination, and management. This case study then focuses on a merger in the IT sector in real time.Findings – This study allowed the authors to test theoretical elements, especially the choice of the integration method, which may favour the creation of technological innovation during the integration period. The authors present new reasons for the failure of co‐created innovation between an SME and a large enterprise in the IT sector. This case study allowed them to test theoretical elements such as the choice of an integrat...

A REFLECTION ON THE EVOLUTION OF RELATIONAL DYNAMICS IN NEW SYSTEMS OF GOVERNANCE APPLIED TO THE HEALTH SECTOR

This research paper is concerned with the development of relational dynamics in new governing systems in the health sector. Changes brought about in this domain in decision and management structure lead to a reconsideration of relations between the different players in the system, in particular in terms of power and operational approach. This article uses a case study to analyze this new reality and shows how these developments can be sources of value creation and vehicles of a cooperative, productive approach. This article intends to show the interest and scope of the cognitive governing approach applied to the hospital sector. To this aim, the research has three objectives to provoke reflection and discussion: to investigate conflicts between health and administrative staff; to understand how they come about; and finally to determine the actions that enable the management of these conflicts, with a view to establishing a cooperation of creative value and sense between the medical and administrative domains.