Integration of a new SME owner-manager: The socialising role of the staff
The aim of this article is to investigate the role played by subordinates in the organisational socialisation of the new owner. Based on eight studies of outside takeovers of French, financially sound SMEs, it shows that staff can help their new owner to socialise in three ways (cognitive, relational and technical). It also highlights the importance of contextual variables that influence this socialisation, such as the emotional and operational preparation of staff by the previous owner. Beyond this, this work shows that the impulse of the new owner produces in subordinates a need for re-socialisation.