Czech Businesses Research Articles

Lost in the Transition: Czech Businesses Pivoting from the Centrally Planned Economy to Capitalism

The Czech Republic often has been cited as an example of successful economic transformation. The available literature has primarily focused on changes in the macroeconomic environment, although the actions of economic agents at the microeconomic level have emerged as the crucial factor explaining this success. Based on 101 oral history interviews, this article offers the firsthand experiences, frustrations, challenges, and human dimensions of doing business at that time and shows that the road from socialism to the market economy was a bumpy one. Our approach fills major information voids, and thus offers a unique opportunity for business historians to avoid slipping into the incomplete view of the world presented by written literature and archives.

New trends in codes of ethics: Czech business ethics preferences by the dawn of COVID-19

Research background: The morality and sustainability depend upon the active engagement of all stakeholders. Businesses might have to observe minimum standards via their corporate social responsibility (CSR), but this does not imply any mandatory and enforceable requirements for their internal documents. Crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic magnify differences and might impact the perception and commitment to ethics and modify preferences.
 Purpose of the article: Since it is up to each and every business whether it will issue Codes of Ethics or Codes of Conduct (Codes) and how they will project ethical principles, values and concerns in them, it is both illuminative and instrumental to conduct a massive theoretical and literature review, to identify five aspects for exploration of Codes: (i) human nature (ii) moral values (iii) ethical principles, (iv) reasoning and (v) sustainability pillars, and to perform such an exploration via a case study at the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Methods: Based on a massive theoretical and literature review, five aspects for exploration have been identified and employed in a case study involving twenty Codes of the largest Czech businesses, while focusing on their preferences. This is to be achieved by a holistic advanced content analysis employing meta-analysis and manual Delphi method with Likert scoring by a panel of experts.
 Findings & value added: The case study reveals that generally Codes prefer (i) Socrates´ perception of human nature, (ii) respect and responsibility as moral values, (iii) the principle of solidarity, (iv) social contract and deontological reasoning and (v) the sustainability social pillar. These findings demonstrate discrepancies and inconsistencies between and also within these Codes, which often paternalistically reject the multi-stakeholder approach that is needed to overcome COVID-19. This litigates for the appropriateness of this new methodology and encourages further longitudinal case studies entailing more jurisdictions and industries.

The impact of corporate social responsibility on business competitiveness

Research background: The social and environmental problems of the current globalised world are primarily targeted on the South and Southeast Asian business environment. However, according to the idea “think global, act local”, practices of Czech local business also contribute to the global environment. Purpose of the article: The Czech Republic is classified as a small open economy in the final stage of a transformation into a market economy, and on the top of that, it is also a member of the European Union. Thus, the Czech Republic is very dependent on the global market. Firstly, this paper is focused on analysing the Czech businesses’ attitude to competitiveness with special emphasis on corporate social responsibility. Secondly, there is predicated the future approach of the Czech managers to CSR. Methods: Primary research is based on individual structured interviews with Czech managers on the top and middle level (n=15). The interviews were conducted from February to May 2020 via a combination of face to face and distance communication. Findings & Value added: The results indicate that the Czech business mostly does not perceive CSR as a key factor of corporate competitiveness. However, the significant part of the interviewees considers CSR as moderately important and what is more, they predicate the upward trend of this factor. In addition, corporate social responsibility is often associated with other factors of competitiveness – more precisely to customer loyalty and innovation capability. Moreover, all the corporations stated that they apply at least some of the CSR principles in their ordinary course of business.

Sanctions and Countersanctions Concerning the Russian Federation: The Czech Business Perspective

The goal of the paper is to assess how Czech businesses have been impacted by the sanctions and countersanctions and their opinions on the issue. Companies being members of the Chamber of Trade and Industry for CIS Countries were addressed. From the surveyed companies that traded with Russia before 2014 and are currently engaged in trade with Russia, it was made evident that their overall attitude regarding the sanctions and countersanctions is rather negative. The research shows that business sector in the Czech Republic feels strong effects from the sanctions and countersanctions and believes it would benefit from their removal.

Corporate Social Responsibility Information in Annual Reports in the EU—A Czech Case Study

The commitment of the European Union (EU) to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is projected into EU law about annual reporting by businesses. Since EU member states further develop this framework by their own domestic laws, annual reporting with CSR information is not unified and only partially mandatory in the EU. Do all European businesses report CSR information and what public declaration to society do they provide with it? The two main purposes of this paper are to identify the parameters of this annual reporting duty and to study the CSR information provided by the 10 largest Czech companies in their annual statements for 2013–2017. Based on legislative research and a teleological interpretation, the current EU legislative framework with Czech particularities is presented and, via a case study exploring 50 annual reports, the data about the type, extent and depth of CSR is dynamically and comparatively assessed. It appears that, at the minimum, large Czech businesses satisfy their legal duty and e-report on CSR to a similar extent, but in a dramatically different quality. Employee matters and adherence to international standards are used as a public declaration to society more than the data on environmental protection, while social matters and research and development (R&D) are played down.

Кіно в житті української еміграції в міжвоєнній ЧСР (1921–1939)

Кіно в житті української еміграції в міжвоєнній ЧСР (1921–1939)

Nova metoda evaluacija lokalnog mišićnog opterećenja na radnim mestima u Češkim kompanijama

In this article, the role and position of Ergonomics, Local Muscular Load Measuring, was defined. There are two main parts of ergonomics: overall physical load and local muscle load. The measurement methods based on using muscle forces are used in the Czech Republic mainly. Other countries measure local muscular load more subjectively, through evaluation sheets (ergonomic checklists). However, in this article, the presented methods are more precise and objective. Otherwise, the employee risks exposure to occupational diseases, serious illnesses, etc. In this case, the employer is then exposed to liabilities stemming from not creating suitable working conditions, such as compensation, increased recruitment costs, etc. In the Czech Republic, management is increasingly being held liable for occupational diseases stemming from 'local muscular load' of employees. In the world, it is also known as the repetitive strain injury (RSI). As a result, it is necessary to evaluate the local muscular load in Czech businesses and identify the main causes of overload. In this article, the authors will introduce a new methodology for local muscular load measuring with the data logger equipment. The research also showed that the health and safety limits for local muscular load were exceeded in 52% of the workplaces researched. Various causes and weaknesses were identified. These could increase those risks.

To be or not to be a business responsible for sustainable development? Survey from small Czech businesses

Sustainable development is influenced by the activities of both large businesses and small- and medium-sized businesses. The aim of this article is to identify the attitude of small businesses to sustainable development. The article presents the results of empirical research among managers of small businesses in the Czech Republic. A multi-criteria decision-making method (analytic hierarchy process) was used for the evaluation of relationship of these managers to sustainable development. A benefits, opportunities, costs and risks approach was applied for the structuring of the elements. The significance of the individual elements has been detected using Saaty’s method. Three alternatives were formulated about the benefits to be a business that is interested in sustainability development. It was identified that the alternative, ‘it is advantageous to be business interesting in sustainability development’ is the most preferred. On the other hand, it was also identified, that managers will be responsible for sustainability development and their attitude must bring them benefits. This article contributes to the fulfilment of the research gap in the field of research related to small businesses and their surroundings. Identified impacts can be used for practical creation of conditions which would further encourage small businesses to take a proactive approach to sustainability development.

Czech universities in the knowledge triangle: transfer of knowledge from universities to the business sphere

Abstract Three key and interacting roles of universities – education, research and innovation – form the knowledge triangle. The concept of knowledge triangle has become one of the cornerstones of the European research and innovation policy during the last decade. In this respect, the article aims at the assessment of research interactions between Czech universities and businesses leading to knowledge transfer. A steep increase of patent activity of Czech universities seemingly creates high potential for commercialisation of R&D results. However, the majority of patents is registered only in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, the mentioned increase is not accompanied by higher revenues from sale of patents and licences. The business sector perceives universities as one of the main cooperation partners within the innovation process but the share of business expenditures on university research funding remains very low compared to other EU countries. Predominantly low revenues from the knowledge transfer and especially from sale of patents and licences indicate that technology transfer centres at Czech universities do not work as efficiently as similar university centres in developed countries. Besides relatively short period of their operation, one of the main reasons consists in the way of their funding, mostly dependent on projects funded from the EU Structural Funds. Generally low extent of knowledge transfer from universities to the business sector indicates insufficiently developed knowledge triangle in Czechia. While there is no doubt about the significance of research and education role of Czech universities, the innovation role is well developed only at a few – mainly technically oriented – universities, more focused on applied R&D.

The organization of working hours of selected employee categories in Czech businesses

In the current dynamic working environment, the adaptation of working hours is an important instrument for supporting the work and performance of all groups of employees. It also serves as an instrument that encourages their identification with the company. The aim of this article is to identify and evaluate the utilization of individual methods of work organization among selected groups of employees in Czech companies across the gamut of the business sector. The analysed data comes from a quantitative questionnairebased survey (n=315). The results show that in the Czech companies, flexitime is most frequent among regular employees (51.7%) and graduates up to 30 years old (24.1%). A reduced work schedule is most frequently used by mothers with children and senior citizens (41.3%, 27%) and as part-time work among students (41%). The use of flexible working hours is an instrument of diversity management and builds the company brand through enlisting the cooperation of different groups of employees.

Design as a Condition for Prosperity in Czech Businesses - A Comparative Study

The purpose of the paper is to comprehensively review the sources of design management, business prosperity and competitiveness. The study shows the current situation in Czech businesses. Furthermore, this paper also attempts to analyze and identify the awareness of companies concerning the relation to design as a condition for business prosperity. The primary aim of the research is to investigate design as a condition of prosperity in Czech businesses. A comprehensive review of the extant literature and journals identified several sources of design approach and various definitions of business prosperity. The research consists of two main parts. Firstly, a method of smart internet questionnaires designed by the author was used. After that, the data were analyzed using mosaic plot and elementary statistics calculations, and seeking mutual dependence, followed by a comparative method. Finally, the findings were processed by comparative study that aims to compare the years 2012 and 2014. The results of the research offer interesting findings. This paper identifies several interesting aspects regarding design within Czech companies, including the mindset of management (the insight gap of Czech businesses regarding design in their business).

The Latest Trends in the Corporate Sustainability and its Implications for Czech Businesses

This paper analyzes the state of corporate sustainability in the Czech Republic compared with world trends, including case studies of best practices. Corporate sustainability has developed from ad hoc activities dominantly focused on cost-cutting or corporate image improvements to strategic issue requiring the attention of corporate boards and top management. The development of sustainability as an integral part of corporate existence comprises of the following managerial implications: strategy, collaboration, and implementation. The strategic component requires mission reformulation, strategy redefinition and involves the board and top managers broader thinking, leaders capable of open mindedness, and creativity. The collaborative component calls for intensive collaboration and communication with all stakeholders, including association with avant-garde partners, such as, NGOs, regulators, universities, and competitors. The implementation component addresses the need for high quality change management programs.

The Latest Trends in the Corporate Sustainability and its Implications for Czech Businesses

This paper analyzes the state of corporate sustainability in the Czech Republic compared with world trends, including case studies of best practices. Corporate sustainability has developed from ad hoc activities dominantly focused on cost-cutting or corporate image improvements to strategic issue requiring the attention of corporate boards and top management. The development of sustainability as an integral part of corporate existence comprises of the following managerial implications: strategy, collaboration, and implementation. The strategic component requires mission reformulation, strategy redefinition and involves the board and top managers' broader thinking, leaders capable of open mindedness, and creativity. The collaborative component calls for intensive collaboration and communication with all stakeholders, including association with avant-garde partners, such as, NGOs, regulators, universities, and competitors. The implementation component addresses the need for high quality change management programs.

Personnel marketing in czech businesses

Personnel marketing in czech businesses

A Strategic Approach to the Transformation of Czech Highway Administration

Studies of the current condition of management in the Czech Republic show, that strategic management is one of the greatest weaknesses in the management of Czech businesses when compared with their western competitors. The intended transformation of the Czech highway administration from the existing state allowance organisation to a company with a new legal status is an excellent opportunity to design a strategically oriented and well-organised body which will be capable to be effective in strategic development, investment, maintenance, and operation of the managed highway network. At the Brno International Business School considerable attention has been paid to studying strategic business management over the last ten years. It supports the effort of the CDV - Transport Research Centre to achieve a holistic approach to the strategic development of the transportation sector. The paper describes a possible way for drafting a strategy concept for transforming the highway administration.

Reorganizing Czech Businesses: A Bankruptcy Law Reform Under a Recession Stress-Test

The new Czech Insolvency Act, featuring a brand new reorganization option for business debtors, has now been in force for the last three years – a period of a severe downturn in the Czech (and the global) economy. This presents an opportunity to observe the workings of the new insolvency law on a recession-loaded empirical dataset extracted from the on-line insolvency register also introduced as part of the reform. This is the goal of this article, the subject matter of which is an initial empirical look at insolvency proceedings conducted over debtors whose reorganization attempts had been allowed in the years 2008 and 2009.

Reorganizing Czech Businesses: A Bankruptcy Law Reform under a Recession Stress-Test

The new Czech Insolvency Act, featuring a brand new reorganization option for business debtors, has now been in force for over 3 years—a period of a severe downturn in the Czech (and the global) economy. This presents an opportunity to observe the workings of the new insolvency law on a “recession-loaded” empirical dataset extracted from the on-line insolvency register also introduced as part of the reform. This is the goal of this article, the subject matter of which is an initial empirical look at insolvency proceedings conducted over debtors whose reorganization attempts had been allowed in the years 2008 and 2009. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Importance of objective and formal adequacy for the indicators of enterprise financial health

The evaluation of financial health of an enterprise becomes very important in Czech businesses. Among other factors, it is so because it is viewed as a precondition for being eligible for some of the EU structural funds. Models of enterprise financial health were created mainly on the basis of objective evaluation of indicators and discrimination analysis for prosperous and bankrupting enterprises. Little attention was paid to the influence of particular indicators on the total value of enterprise financial health. Using the principles of objective and formal adequacy of the indicators, as well as their standardisation, and the methods of multicriterial evaluation together with the determination of particular indicators independence can improve the creation of financial health indicators and facilitate a higher rate of its objectiveness.