Synopsis:

This research focused on the alienation effects felt by German managers when their firm was taken over by a Japanese steelmaker. The findings were based on information obtained from interviews with eight German managers six months after their firm was acquired. Despite being accorded a high degree of autonomy, the German managers felt unhappy owing to poor communication and minimal interaction with the Japanese management. Instead of relishing the high autonomy bestowed on them by the Japanese steelmaker, the target managers were left wondering why their firm was acquired and were somewhat clueless about the direction their firm was heading.