Rethinking and re-imagining mergers in further and higher education: a human perspective

Abstract

Higher and Further Education in South Africa has been characterized by major changes regarding the shape and size of the system. One of these changes has been the so-called mergers. This article addresses the scenario which contributed to the mergers. An overview of various frameworks or models for mergers is briefly discussed and the possible advantages and disadvantages of mergers are indicated. The main focus of the article reflects the human side; the people issues related to mergers. Staff perceptions and reactions are reflected in an attempt to capture the essence of the impact of mergers on people. A special focus is on the colleges of education in the Western Cape where mergers and take-overs or incorporation of colleges of education have been completed. The findings, which include the outcome of a three-day workshop on mergers as well as a survey of people involved in mergers, focus on lessons learnt from early experiences with mergers as well as on the effect of mergers on organizational culture.


SAJHE Vol.18(1) 2004: 185-201