The Merger of Medical Universities in Iran: Challenges and Obstacles

Background: Three big medical universities were merged in Iran in 2010, but they separated again after 2.5 years. The purpose of this study was to identify the most important challenges of this merger. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with 63 participants from April to September 2015. The data were analyzed via conventional content analysis method using MAXQDA10 software. Results: The merger of universities faced strategic, procedural, structural, contextual, and human resources challenges. Factors such as the merger rsquo;s vision, goals, and motives, the stakeholders rsquo; involvement, the merger announcement and time, interruption in service delivery, information systems, power balance, organizational structure, geographical distance, organizational culture, employees rsquo; reaction, and education influenced the failure of this merger. Conclusion: Merger and acquisition require a welldesigned plan for the effective and efficient use of resources to achieve the desired outcomes. Therefore, policymakers should involve universities rsquo; managers and employees in decisionmaking process to achieve the best results.