This timely study examines the emotional and behavioral reactions to mergers and acquisitions. Astrachan's central focus is on separation anxiety-the cognitive and emotional state caused by cues of impending departures. He used a simulation of a merger situation to examine the effects of anxiety about employee departures on individuals and work groups in an existing company. Specific questions addressed include: Is separation anxiety stimulated by the anticipated termination of work group members? Does the number of people who are leaving a group affect anxiety? How do the experiences of...