AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Scott M. Morgan for the degree of Honors Baccalaureate of Science in Business Administration presented on May 29, 2009 . Title: The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Mergers and Acquisitions. Abstract approved: _______________________________________________ Donald Neubaum _______________________________________________ Prem Mathew This study examines the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on merger and acquisitions (M&A). Using data from Kinder, Lyndeberg, and Domini (KLD) Research Analytics and Thomson’s Securities Data Corporation’s (SDC) Platinum Database, we empirically test if CSR scores effect a firm’s propensity to pursue M&A activity. Specifically, I examine how individual elements of CSR ratings (i.e. community relations, corporate governance, diversity, employee relations, environmental practices, and product quality and safety) might directly influence this relationship. The second part of this study examines the problems associated with integration that commonly arise during corporate acquisitions. We attempt to determine what dimensions of CSR increase integration periods by looking at the differences in bidder and target CSR scores. Key Words: Business, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Social Responsibility, Stakeholder, Integration Period, Speed of Integration Corresponding E-mail Address:
[email protected] © Copyright by Scott M. Morgan June 5, 2009 All Rights Reserved The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Mergers and Acquisitions by Scott M. Morgan A PROJECT submitted to Oregon State University University Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Honors Baccalaureate of Science in Business Administration (Honors Associate) Presented May 29, 2009 Commencement June 2009 Honors Baccalaureate of Science in Business Administration project of Scott M.