10 Key KanBo Features Revolutionizing MA Oversight in 2025

Introduction

In the high-pressure world of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), efficient and structured oversight is paramount to achieving post-merger synergies and maximizing value realization. KanBo, with its advanced work coordination and resource management capabilities, becomes an indispensable ally in orchestrating complex M&A processes, ensuring seamless integration, decisive execution, and adherence to regulatory compliance.

Centralized M&A Oversight with KanBo

KanBo provides a unified platform for managing the intricate phases of M&A transactions, from regulatory due diligence to achieve optimal post-merger synergies. With features such as Workspaces, Folders, Spaces, and Cards, KanBo structures project management in a way that aligns daily operations with high-level strategies. These elements facilitate meticulous task organization, allowing for efficient workflow management—a crucial component in the fast-paced environment of M&A.

Streamlined Document Management and Collaboration

Effective document management is critical in M&A due diligence. The document management and collaboration features of KanBo ensure that all stakeholders have secure access to required documents, enhancing transparency and information flow. By organizing and sharing documents effectively, KanBo supports teams in meeting tight deadlines and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements during due diligence.

Enhanced Process & Workflow Management

Automating processes and managing workflows with KanBo reduces human error and improves operational efficiency in M&A transactions. The ability to map processes and automate repetitive tasks ensures that standard operating procedures are followed meticulously, providing structure and reliability during the complex M&A lifecycle.

Real-time Collaboration and Communication

In the context of high-stakes M&A transactions, the necessity for real-time collaboration and communication cannot be understated. KanBo facilitates efficient communication across departments and stakeholders with its robust tools, ensuring that all parties are aligned with strategic goals and timelines. This synchronized communication is essential for managing quickly evolving situations inherent in M&A deals.

Security and Compliance Management

Handling sensitive data securely is crucial in M&A. KanBo's flexible deployment options and compliance-focused security features, such as GCC High Cloud Installation, align with federal standards to safeguard data. This protects against breaches and ensures organizations remain compliant with stringent regulatory requirements throughout the M&A process, thereby minimizing risk.

Utilizing Key Features for M&A Success

KanBo's versatile features—Cards for task tracking, Gantt Chart View for timeline management, Kanban View for progress tracking, and Mind Map View for strategic planning—are tailored to help institutions navigate through the multi-layered stages of M&A. The platform's Card Statistics also provide valuable analytical insights to identify process bottlenecks and enhance operational efficiency.

In conclusion, while not explicitly designed for M&A, KanBo's ability to centralize oversight, enhance collaboration, and streamline processes makes it an ideal tool for executing complex M&A strategies. By employing KanBo, financial advisors can ensure efficient transaction execution, regulatory compliance, and ultimately, successful value realization in every deal.

The Complex Challenges of Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are intricate, high-stakes endeavors fraught with complexities such as transaction structuring complexities and integration risk assessment. The success of these transactions hinges on precise orchestration of various components, from legal compliance to financial evaluation, and demands an overarching platform that centralizes data and coordinates cross-functional workflows. Poor oversight not only jeopardizes shareholder value but also places the firm at risk of regulatory penalties.

Data Fragmentation in M&A arises from the separation of key documents and information across disparate systems. This can severely impact the efficacy of due diligence processes. The inability to rapidly access and analyze crucial documents increases the chance of overlooking material adverse change (MAC) clauses, which can significantly alter the perceived value of a transaction. KanBo’s Document Management and Collaboration capability addresses this by offering centralized, secure storage and real-time sharing functions that are pivotal during due diligence. This mitigates risk and enhances decision-making, directly correlating to protecting shareholder value.

The constantly shifting sands of Regulatory Uncertainty add another layer of complexity to M&A transactions. Failure to adhere to evolving financial regulations and antitrust laws can result in costly fines and even deal abandonment. By using KanBo’s Compliance and Risk Management features, organizations can establish retention and expiry policies that adhere to regulatory mandates, ensuring that compliance is proactively managed. The platform's alignment with frameworks like FedRAMP also provides confidence that sensitive information is safeguarded according to federal standards.

Addressing Cross-Functional Silos is critical. Finance, legal, HR, and IT departments often operate in isolation, leading to inefficiencies and miscommunications that can derail progress. KanBo’s Real-time Collaboration and Communication tools break down these silos by fostering cross-departmental coordination and efficient information exchange. The availability of features such as Kanban View and Calendar View further assists teams in monitoring progress and meeting critical deadlines, ensuring that different departments are aligned and moving at the same pace—a crucial factor in maintaining shareholder confidence and meeting regulatory timelines.

Lastly, Post-Merger Disruptions pose a threat to the realization of anticipated synergies, often resulting from misaligned IT infrastructure and corporate culture clashes. To mitigate these risks, KanBo’s Work Coordination and Project Management functionalities streamline post-merger integration plans through features such as Gantt Chart View and Mind Map View, providing clear and structured pathways for merging IT systems and aligning corporate practices.

In essence, while KanBo isn't exclusively designed for M&A, its versatile features in document management, process automation, and compliance assurance offer invaluable support to navigating the multifaceted challenges of M&A. By leveraging KanBo, firms can enhance their ability to preserve shareholder value and maintain regulatory compliance throughout the transactional lifecycle.

Enhancing Due Diligence with a Structured Work Platform

In the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the role of digital tools like KanBo becomes increasingly pivotal. The platform's sophisticated functionalities in work coordination and project management are ideally suited to address the intricate requirements of M&A processes. By leveraging features such as task assignments and deadline tracking, finance professionals can efficiently manage KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance, a fundamental aspect of due diligence that ensures prospective business partners meet regulatory and risk standards.

KanBo's Document Management and Collaboration capabilities offer secure and structured repositories for managing essential due diligence documents. This is particularly critical when evaluating a target company's financial health through processes such as cash flow normalization analysis. By enabling seamless collaboration and secure document sharing, stakeholders can engage in real-time collaboration and communication, which is paramount when time-sensitive decisions need to be made in a fast-paced M&A environment.

Process & Workflow Management in KanBo allows for the automation of repetitive tasks and the mapping of complex procedural workflows. These features are valuable in intellectual property valuation, where consistent methodologies must be employed to assess the intangible assets' worth accurately. This functionality can streamline the processes involved, from initial IP audits to final valuation, ensuring all procedural steps adhere to predefined standard operating procedures.

Consider a scenario where AI-driven risk detection can be applied through KanBo's ecosystem. During due diligence, AI-based contract analysis can identify potential red flags in legal disclosures and contract terms by pattern recognition of anomalies. This proactive analysis can spotlight clauses that, if overlooked, might lead to post-merger litigation due to non-compliant terms or hidden liabilities. For instance, if a target company's customer contracts contain non-standard terms that could invalidate post-acquisition pricing models, AI-powered tools can highlight these discrepancies before the merger is finalized.

Adding value specifically to the banking sector, the use of Historical Audit Trail ensures an immutable record of document changes and decision-making processes. This functionality is incredibly beneficial in maintaining transparency and accountability, essential criteria for regulatory bodies post-merger. In conjunction with Automated Workflow Approvals, legal teams, investment committees, and external auditors can efficiently review and approve documents, reducing the risk of human error in complex transactional environments.

In summary, while platforms like KanBo may not be exclusively designed for M&A, their inherent functionalities in security, compliance, and project management provide an invaluable framework for handling the complexities of due diligence, regulatory requirements, and post-merger integration. The adaptability of digital tools like these revolutionizes the M&A landscape, offering a comprehensive solution for managing both overt and covert transaction layers.

Integration Planning & Execution: Synchronizing Post-Merger Operations

Integration planning within the post-merger phase is a crucial area for ensuring that the newly combined entity operates efficiently and reaps the intended financial benefits. In the banking sector, post-merger restructuring often involves realigning capital allocation between business units while managing asset divestitures to optimize the merged balance sheet. Utilizing software like KanBo, which offers robust Work Coordination and Project Management, can facilitate the seamless execution of these plans.

Post-Merger Restructuring is a critical process where the new entity must harmonize different operational practices while achieving cost synergies. For instance, consolidating IT systems and back-office operations demands rigorous Process & Workflow Management features, such as those provided by KanBo, to smoothly integrate disparate functions and improve efficiency.

Asset Divestitures are another common outcome of merger deals, especially when dealing with regulatory requirements or optimizing resource allocation. KanBo’s Document Management and Collaboration can be crucial here for ensuring all necessary financial documents are prepared and that executives have access to real-time updates. This not only aids in compliance but also maximizes negotiation leverage when securing potential buyers.

The concept of Capital Allocation Realignment involves reassessing how the merged entity will allocate its financial resources to optimize returns. Leveraging KanBo's Gantt Chart View and Mind Map View can help visualize and strategize resource distribution across various departments, enabling financial analysts to model future investments with accuracy.

Absent proper integration planning, workforce inefficiencies can often arise, leading to a dilution of revenue. For example, failing to integrate HR systems might result in inconsistent payroll processing, causing delays and dissatisfaction among employees. Additionally, a lack of coordinated communication can lead to redundant roles or misaligned responsibilities, where multiple teams inadvertently tackle the same projects without collaboration. KanBo’s Real-time Collaboration and Communication tools help prevent such inefficiencies by ensuring consistent dialogue and cross-departmental coordination, vital in preventing revenue leakage.

In such scenarios, poor planning stands as a stark risk factor. Inadequate anticipation of synergy realizations or overlooking critical HR harmonization can culminate in workforce discontent and productivity loss, directly impacting the bottom line. KanBo, with its advanced capabilities, can bridge these gaps by providing comprehensive oversight and facilitating data-driven Performance Benchmarking to ascertain financial efficiency and synergies realization.

Thus, by integrating sophisticated tools such as KanBo into post-merger activities, entities can not only streamline processes but also ensure that the vital aspects of restructuring, divestiture, and capital reallocation are handled with accuracy and precision, ultimately safeguarding against workforce inefficiencies and revenue dilution.

Aligning Corporate Strategies & Financial Synergies

In the realm of post-merger strategic execution, the goal is to unlock potential benefits through robust value realization strategies and effective synergy capture. KanBo's array of features provides a robust foundation for organizations to streamline these processes, ensuring that financial and operational integration is executed smoothly. By facilitating C-Suite-Level Visibility with real-time dashboards, KanBo allows corporate leaders to track the impacts of mergers, offering comprehensive insights into integration progress and financial performance.

One of the crucial elements of a successful merger is the implementation of financial reforecasting models, which adjust initial projections based on current data to reflect true value creation. Here, the integration of KanBo's Automated KPI Monitoring becomes indispensable. This feature helps track essential metrics such as EBITDA growth, working capital efficiency, and ROIC, ensuring that the anticipated synergies are being realized, and that integration is aligning with strategic objectives.

However, the downfall of many merger deals is often linked to neglecting these very key performance indicators. A lack of meticulous KPI tracking can lead to disconnects between projected expectations and actual post-merger outcomes, potentially resulting in financial setbacks and strategic misalignments. Stakeholder Communication Tools embedded within KanBo ensure that discrepancies are identified early. Keeping investors, employees, and regulatory bodies updated with integration updates fosters transparency and reinforces confidence in the merger process.

In the context of the banking industry, where regulatory scrutiny is exceedingly stringent, maintaining compliance across various frameworks like SEC, IFRS, and GAAP is non-negotiable. KanBo fortifies this aspect through a comprehensive Corporate Governance Framework, ensuring every financial statement adheres to mandated standards. The integration of such governance structures mitigates risks and strengthens the credibility of the newly formed entity, keeping it in good stead with both regulatory bodies and stakeholders.

In conclusion, the strategic execution of a post-merger plan relies heavily on synergy capture and robust monitoring methods. KanBo's strategic features—notably its real-time visibility, automated KPI tracking, and exceptional stakeholder communication—provide the necessary scaffolding to navigate the complexities of mergers, ultimately preventing deal failure and fostering sustainable growth. The advanced platform ensures that all mergers move beyond mere transactional value and instead focus on delivering long-term strategic objectives.

Common Questions & Answers About M&A Software

Q&A Section: M&A Oversight Challenges

Q: What are common challenges associated with regulatory burden during an M&A process?

A: The complexity of regulatory compliance can overwhelm teams with documentation, tracking, and legal workflows. A structured platform can centralize all essential documents, automate compliance tracking, and ensure that legal workflows are aligned, reducing the risk of non-compliance. Document Management features, such as Card Documents based on SharePoint libraries, provide seamless access and version control, enhancing regulatory adherence.

Q: How can financial integration be effectively managed in a merger?

A: Financial integration requires careful coordination across departments. A robust platform can create distinct Workspaces for finance teams to manage tasks, allocate resources, and define responsibilities. Gantt Chart View provides an overview of project timelines, ensuring financial milestones are synchronized across departments.

Q: What tools can ensure effective synergy tracking post-merger?

A: Ensuring the anticipated synergies are achieved requires meticulous tracking and communication. A structured platform can utilize Mind Map View to plan and organize synergy objectives while providing real-time updates through Card Statistics to monitor progress and identify bottlenecks.

Q: How can a platform assist with cross-border M&A compliance concerns?

A: Cross-border mergers introduce diverse regulatory requirements. A structured platform offers Process & Workflow Management capabilities, enabling teams to automate compliance checks specific to each jurisdiction. Features like Retention and Expiry Policies ensure data management practices align with international laws.

Q: How does a platform enhance the confidentiality and security of sensitive M&A data?

A: Data security is critical in M&A. A platform with on-premise or hybrid deployment options allows organizations to maintain control over sensitive information. GCC High Cloud installations cater to federal standards, safeguarding data from unauthorized access and compliance breaches.

Q: What role does real-time communication play in overcoming M&A challenges?

A: Real-time communication is pivotal for negotiating and executing M&A deals swiftly. A structured platform supports real-time collaboration features, such as Mentions and Comments, ensuring that stakeholders have immediate access to discussions and updates, streamlining decision-making processes.

Incorporating a comprehensive platform into M&A processes simplifies the complex challenges associated with regulatory compliance, financial integration, and synergy tracking, ensuring a smoother transition and greater success in mergers and acquisitions.

The Future of M&A: Digital Labor & Hybrid Teams

AI is increasingly playing a transformative role in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) by enhancing efficiencies and providing deeper insights through algorithmic due diligence and predictive compliance. These AI-driven processes, complemented by human-in-the-loop decision-making, streamline the traditionally complex and labor-intensive components of M&A.

Algorithmic Due Diligence is revolutionizing how M&A teams approach the evaluation of potential deals. By automating the analysis of vast datasets, including financial statements, customer reviews, and market trends, AI helps identify contractual inconsistencies and financial risks more quickly and accurately than manual methods. The integration of AI into platforms like KanBo can enhance document management and collaboration, facilitating the review and assessment of numerous documents in the due diligence phase. With KanBo's ability to coordinate workflows and assign tasks through Cards and Spaces, the due diligence process is centralized and efficient.

Predictive Compliance leverages AI to anticipate regulatory challenges, ensuring that all M&A processes adhere to legal standards before issues arise. By analyzing historical compliance data, AI can propose strategies that mitigate risks associated with regulatory breaches. KanBo can support this by employing its robust security features, ensuring secure document handling and data storage that align with compliance requirements. Additionally, the Gantt Chart View and Calendar View in KanBo help teams plan and track compliance-related tasks, ensuring timely completion and reduced regulatory risk.

With AI handling algorithmic tasks, human-in-the-loop decision-making ensures that M&A professionals are still at the helm of critical strategic decisions. AI models provide insights and predictions, while experienced analysts review these suggestions to make informed choices. KanBo’s real-time collaboration tools and Mind Map View support this dynamic by facilitating seamless communication and visualization of strategic planning among decentralized hybrid workforces. This allows for effective cross-team collaboration across different time zones and organizational hierarchies.

Furthermore, Automated Workflow Orchestration enabled by AI drastically reduces manual processing time, ensuring that M&A teams can focus more on strategic and analytical tasks rather than administrative ones. With KanBo, this is achievable through its process and workflow management capabilities, which automate repetitive tasks and enforce standard operating procedures.

While AI brings significant advancements to M&A, platforms like KanBo enhance these technologies by providing a structured environment where these innovations can thrive. From enhancing data security to promoting effective team collaboration, KanBo’s versatility and integration with Microsoft ecosystems make it an ideal tool for supporting the evolving landscape of AI-driven M&A activities. In environments where strategic and fast-paced transactions rule, the combination of AI technologies with robust coordination platforms is indispensable for driving successful M&A outcomes.

Implementing KanBo software for Mergers & Acquisitions with Digital Labor: A step-by-step guide

Cookbook: Leveraging KanBo for M&A Transaction Management

Introduction:

In the high-stakes world of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), precision in task management, document processing, and compliance adherence is critical. KanBo provides a versatile platform to address these challenges through its distinctive features. Below, a step-by-step solution is outlined to facilitate M&A processes using KanBo's work coordination, document management, and compliance tools.

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Ingredients Needed: (KanBo Features)

1. Workspaces and Spaces: Organize your M&A projects, teams, and documents.

2. Document Management: Centralize and manage due diligence documents securely.

3. Real-time Collaboration: Foster cross-functional teamwork and communication.

4. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to regulatory demands.

5. Gantt Chart View & Kanban View: Visualize and manage task timelines and workflows.

6. Mind Map View: Strategically plan the M&A process with a creative approach.

7. Calendar View & Card Relations: Track deadlines and manage task dependencies.

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Steps for Implementing KanBo in M&A Transactions:

Step 1: Preparation and Setup

1. Create a Workspace:

- Access your KanBo dashboard and click on the "+" icon to establish a new workspace for the M&A project.

- Assign roles like Owner and Member to M&A team leaders and participants.

- Define privacy settings as Org-wide or Private, depending on the confidentiality level required.

2. Set Up Folders & Spaces:

- Organize the M&A workspace into folders representing key phases such as "Due Diligence," "Integration Planning," and "Compliance Monitoring."

- Create specialized spaces within each folder focusing on detailed aspects, e.g., "Financial Review" or "Legal Documentation."

Step 2: Document Management and Collaboration

3. Add and Organize Cards:

- Populate your spaces with cards that represent tasks such as "Review Financial Statements," and "Negotiate Contract Terms."

- Attach essential documents to these cards using the Card Documents feature for easy access and edits.

4. Centralize Document Management:

- Utilize KanBo's secure storage to gather and share due diligence documents.

- Monitor the real-time collaboration among M&A team members using the Comments and Mentions features to address and discuss document-related queries.

Step 3: Process Management and Risk Mitigation

5. Visualize Timelines with Gantt and Kanban View:

- Launch the Gantt Chart View to monitor the chronological evolution of critical tasks within the M&A process.

- Utilize Kanban View to dictate and visually track task progress from "On-Hold" to "Completed."

6. Mind Map for Strategic Planning:

- Employ the Mind Map View to outline overall M&A strategy, stakeholder mapping, and tentative integration tactics.

7. Regulatory Compliance:

- Set compliance and expiry policies within KanBo to preemptively align with regulatory standards.

Step 4: Ensuring Successful Cross-Functional Collaboration

8. Facilitate Communication:

- Assign roles like Responsible Person and Co-Worker for each task to clearly delineate responsibilities.

- Promote dialogues through rich-text Comments and ensure targeted communication with Mentions.

9. Track Important Dates and Dependencies:

- Utilize the Calendar View to manage important milestone dates and ensure that there are no date conflicts.

- Manage Card Relations to establish task dependencies and automate the order of execution.

Step 5: Post-Merger Integration and Conclusion

10. Implement Post-Merger Integration Tasks:

- Plan integration steps using the Gantt Chart View, ensuring IT systems and corporate structures align.

- Employ Card Statistics to analyze the M&A process effectiveness, gauge task performance, and identify areas of improvement.

11. Conclude with a Project Review:

- Wrap up by reviewing completed tasks and remaining to-dos using the Forecast Chart View.

- Discuss outcomes and lessons learned during a kickoff meeting and realign future strategies.

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Conclusion:

KanBo serves as a robust tool for maintaining coherence and visibility within M&A processes. By compartmentalizing complex tasks, fostering collaboration, ensuring regulatory compliance, and offering visual management insights, KanBo enables organizations to navigate M&A challenges more effectively, safeguarding shareholder value while minimizing risk.

By following this cookbook-style guide, organizations can efficiently leverage KanBo to manage intricate M&A transactions, ensuring all tasks align with strategic objectives for a successful acquisition and integration process.

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Glossary and terms

Introduction

KanBo is a dynamic platform designed to bridge the gap between organizational strategy and everyday operations, thereby enhancing workflow coordination. As an integrated solution, it provides seamless connections between tasks and strategic goals, empowering organizations to manage their workflows efficiently. This glossary offers insights into KanBo’s core concepts, features, and functionalities, providing users with a comprehensive understanding to leverage the platform optimally. Whether it’s managing projects, enhancing communication, or analyzing data, KanBo is equipped to handle diverse organizational needs with a suite of features tailored for various functions.

KanBo Glossary

- Workspace

- A Workspace is a grouping of Spaces related to a specific project, team, or topic. It facilitates navigation and collaboration by organizing relevant Spaces in one place. Users can control access and visibility to maintain privacy and team focus.

- Space

- Spaces serve as collections of Cards and represent workflows visually. They are typically associated with projects or specific focus areas, enabling task management and collaboration in a customizable digital environment.

- Card

- Cards are the basic units of KanBo representing tasks. They encapsulate essential details like notes, files, comments, dates, and checklists, providing a flexible framework adaptable to various scenarios.

- Calendar View

- This view offers a traditional calendar format for displaying Cards, helping users schedule and manage time by visualizing card dates on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

- Mind Map View

- A graphical tool for depicting relationships between Cards, the Mind Map View aids in brainstorming, organizing thoughts, and creating hierarchical task structures on a unified canvas.

- Date Conflict

- A Date Conflict occurs when overlapping or inconsistent due/start dates exist between related Cards, potentially disrupting scheduling and task prioritization.

- Card Relation

- Defines dependencies between Cards, allowing the segmentation of large tasks into smaller, manageable units. Relations can either be parent-child or sequence-based (next/previous).

- Card Documents

- Files attached to Cards originate from the SharePoint document library. They can be accessed and edited directly within KanBo, ensuring version consistency across document groups and folders.

- Card Statistics

- A feature providing analytics on a card's lifecycle, showcasing its realization process through charts and hourly summaries for valuable insights.

- Comment

- This allows users to add messages to Cards for enhanced communication about the task, supporting advanced text formatting for clarity.

- Mention

- By using the @ symbol, users can tag colleagues in discussions, alerting them to important tasks or conversations in a Space.

- Responsible Person

- A single user designated to supervise a Card’s realization, responsible for ensuring task completion but adjustable to another user if needed.

- Co-Worker

- A participant contributing to task performance associated with a Card, collaborating alongside the Responsible Person.

- Gantt Chart View

- This view presents time-dependent Cards as a bar chart aligned on a timeline, ideal for planning complex, long-term projects.

- Forecast Chart View

- A space view providing a visual of project progress with data-driven forecasts based on historical velocity, useful in tracking work completion and estimating project timelines.

By understanding and leveraging these features, KanBo users can effectively manage tasks, streamline workflows, and align operations with strategic initiatives, enhancing overall productivity and decision-making within their organizations.