Successful Fusion

Form the process of integration professionally.

"I would recommend to other units that they implement nextexpertizer for similar problems. Because in comparison to other procedures, such as deep analyses and structured surveys, this method is a real alternative."
(Dr. Bernhard Rosenberger, Head of Human Resources of the new Detecon International GmbH)

THE CHALLENGE

As of 1st July 2002, the business consultancies Diebold and Detecon were merged into T-Systems' subsidiary Detecon International GmbH. Both consulting firms were characterised by different client structures and organisational forms. The peculiarities of the two companies had to be made visible in order to be able to formulate joint tasks and goals.

Collect and analyse the employees' opinions
"It was necessary at the beginning of the integration process to gather the various perceptions and attitudes of the staff. This was the fundamental requirement in order to deduce the correct steps and measures."

THE SOLUTION

The merger of the two companies was supported by the "cultural analysis tool" nextexpertizer. nextexpertizer proved to be a "seismograph for processes of change" for the Development Strategy and Corporate Culture (DSC) department at the company's headquarters. By way of individual interviews lasting about an hour, the employees' intuitive ideals and perceptions were gathered and evaluated.

External perception and self-perception analysis
Dr. Bernhard Rosenberger, Head of Human Resources of the new Detecon International GmbH, describes the results that surprised him:
"I would like to highlight the different external and self-perceptions of the two original companies. We were able to recognise in which aspects the employees from the previous companies differed to one another, but we could also see where the foundations of common ground lay."

Five main subjects concerned both groups of employees: future orientation, management, market presence, organisation and decision-making competence. Within these subject dimensions, the Diebold and Detecon employees showed a sophisticated picture of joint and different perceptions and ideals.

The management discussed the results in workshops. Definite measures were agreed regarding the implementation of the integration process.

RESULTS / COMMENTS

For Dr. Bernhard Rosenfelder, the support of the nextexpertizer tool during the structural development was convincing for three reasons::

The high level of acceptancy of the analyses in a consultancy firm with strong links to IT through the application of an IT-aided technique.

The possibility to carry out the interviews after a brief preparation period in a very narrow timespan. Initial results were available just one month after selection of the tool.

The flexibility of the assessment possibilities.

Improvement of communication during the merger
"The cultural analysis tool 'nextexpertizer' has provided target-orientated support for the integration process. It made clear the areas for improvement and has highlighted fields of action that serve as guidelines. The results are supporting us in the improvement of the all-important communication during a merger."
(Quote from 'dialog', Deutsche Telekom staff magazine 6/2002).