Group and individual responses to separation anxiety evoked by a mergers and acquisitions simulation

A mergers and acquisitions simulation was used to explore the effects of separation anxiety on individual and group behavior. Separation anxiety is the cognitive emotional state that is caused by cues of impending separation. It is characterized by strong emotions and unusual behavior that usually occur prior to a separation.; The study explores whether separation anxiety is stimulated by the anticipated exit of group member(s) or other groups in an organization; how individual and group responses to separation anxiety are affected by the number of group members leaving; and how individual experiences are influenced by whether the individual is leaving or staying in the group.; Participants were placed in 5 or 6 member groups and told that they were comprised a senior human resources policy group. After learning of the impending merger and who was to leave, they performed the same decision-making task. The number of people staying in and leaving the group was different depending on the experimental condition to which the group was assigned. Questionnaire data were collected concerning individual attitudes towards the group, group process, and affective state. The responses were analyzed using a repeated measures experimental design. Extensive qualitative data were collected and reported to illuminate the quantitative results, and to examine the impact of separation anxiety in other settings.; It was found that small manipulations have profound effects on individuals and groups. The results indicated that the effects of separation anxiety are influenced by the number of people separating. Separation anxiety often produced stress because individuals increased the strength of their attachments without preparing for separation. This made separation more emotionally stressful. Group process, individual emotions, and individual attitudes toward the group were all affected by impending separation. The results also suggested that separation anxiety can be managed, reducing negative effects while emphasizing positive aspects.