Final answer:
The process where two or more organizations combine to become one is known as a merger, either as equals or through an acquisition where one company buys another.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two or more organizations combine to become one, the process is referred to as a merger. This involves either a joining of two organizations of equal power and status or an acquisition, in which one organization purchases the other and is typically the more dominant partner. In both scenarios, the combined entity may undergo restructuring, like merging departments and reducing staff, to eliminate duplication of services. Mergers can be lateral, where companies of similar sizes combine, or vertical, involving different steps of manufacturing. The end result is a single firm with common ownership that may face new organizational processes and struggles comparable to those experienced during downsizing.