Abstract
This chapter examines the internal politics concerning top managerial positions and illustrates how international mergers often involve a principe of "balance of power" manifested and symbolized by an even distribution of important positions. This principle helps to sell the merger idea to internal and external stakeholders unwilling to surrender control. It also seems to serve as a means to prevent "unnecessary" politicking by disciplinning top decision-makers. The "balance of power" principle, however, triggers and appropriates national confrontation. Over time, it also seems to produce another kinds of inequality as it conflicts with other principles such as competence-based career development.