An analysis of merging effects on academic culture

Since the merging of organizations and institutions has undeniable effects on them, and appropriate action is needed in this regard. The present research selected the merging of Shahid-Abbaspour University in Shahid-Beheshti University as a case study to identify the effects of this action. This study, in terms of purpose and method, is applied and descriptive-survey, respectively. The general design was implemented in a mixed manner. The research data in the qualitative and quantitative section were obtained by interviewing the administrators, and a questionnaire tool distributed among faculty members, administrators and staff, respectively. In some aspects, the merging had some positive and negative effects on academic culture. In general, the comparison of qualitative and quantitative results considered two main points. Firstly, the merging is performed by administrators of both universities, without knowledge and communication with academics community. Secondly, the meanings, values, believes and institutionalized implicit culture of both universities were neglected more than other tangible elements at the university. Therefore, many faculty members and staff in both universities encountered with reduced motivation, increased dissatisfaction, tensions and conflicts in the workplace.