Developing an inclusive research agenda for understanding how learning is accomplished in M&As

The main aim of this paper is to embark on a critical discourse analysis (CDA) so as to identify, articulate and challenge central assumptions underlying the learning/capabilities discourse on M&A in such a way as to open up new areas of inquiry. A problematization methodology was utilized for the CDA and highlights that dominant assumptions in the field have prevented alternative understandings of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) as processes. Additionally, inspite of the pervasiveness of material practices in M&As, studies are more focused on the 'social' aspects of learning. In order to understand the inclusive organization, a conjunctive theorizing of learning is proposed. The paper concludes by identifying the potential contributions of a sociomaterial approach to investigating how managers learn from M&As.