Endings and Loss in Mergers and Acquisitions: An Exploration of Group Analytic Theory

We were delighted when Corina has won the prestigious G.A.S.I. International Student Essay Competition 2016.  This was a significant achievement, as the competition was open to entrants around the world.  Even more wonderful is that she was the first Irish person to win this award, so the entire team at Grace Consulting, along with her colleagues, family and friends, are justifiably incredibly proud!

Her winning paper “Endings and Loss in Mergers and Acquisitions: An Exploration of Group Analytic Theory” was published in the Group Analysis Journal and is available to view online.

The abstract is as follows:

This article aims to explore how group analytic and psychodynamic theory and concepts can contribute to our understanding of what is activated at a human level during mergers and acquisitions (M&As), focusing on endings and loss. It is hoped this understanding will better equip those working in the field to deliver a more ‘regenerative’ than ‘murderous’ outcome. Along with other writers (Hirschhorn, 1990; Bunker and Alban, 1992), the author’s view is that such theory can offer unique insights into human behaviour at an unconscious level, in an organization experiencing major change. By gaining deeper insights into the inner turmoil generated by such change, people may be helped to navigate the tricky terrain of the unconscious and become better equipped to heal and move forward in their own and their organization’s development.

Corina was awarded her prize at a formal presentation during the GASI Foulkes Lecture in the Royal College of Physicians, London, in May 2016.