Mergers: HR's First Step - Identify and Catalog Knowledge Assets
During a merger or acquisition, an HR director's initial task is to form a team to collect and analyze existing documents from both organizations. This essential step sets the stage for establishing a formal knowledge management system.
The HR talent management leader commences by systematically identifying and cataloging all knowledge assets from both entities. This process involves gathering existing documentation, pinpointing key personnel with critical knowledge, and conducting interviews with them to gain valuable insights.
The team's objective is to comprehensively identify and catalog exactly what knowledge currently exists across the two merging organizations. By achieving this, they can strategize for making these assets accessible and retaining knowledge as the new organization progresses.
Once the existing knowledge assets are identified, the team can plan for making them accessible and retaining knowledge as the new organization moves forward. This initial step is crucial for creating a robust knowledge management system during a merger or acquisition.