Central European Business Review

14-21

Authors: Jaroslav Halik

This paper discusses the possible applications of PEST analysis with the use of methodology and data from The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank/International Finance Corporation. A practical example shows how to use the models when setting a logistics service company in selected Central/Eastern European markets. The combination of PEST and EBRD/IBRD reports is seen as a viable tool for measuring the market potential, its growth or decline, attractiveness, business opportunity and suitability of access into these countries.

28-36

Authors: Mariola Ciszewska-Mlinarič, Krzysztof Oblój, Franjo Mlinarič

The article sheds light on the organizational context enhancing development of relational capabilities and examines the significance of relational capabilities for SMEs’ financial and non-financial performance. The firm relational capability is measured separately in customers’ and suppliers’ networks. The research results reveal that fostering internal social capital coupled with the usage of economic motivators augment a firm relational capability in a supplier network, which in turn is associated with better performance results, both financial and non-financial. The results on relational capability in a customer network with respect to performance are less conclusive, indicating that vertical ties that internationally oriented SMEs develop (with suppliers and customers) are not of equal importance.

46-50

Authors: Petr Jirsak, Petr Kolar

The objective of the forthcoming research is to analyze the logistics providers (3PLs), global shipping lines´ and multimodal transport operators´ (MTOs) perception of their customers and their customer service policy in the Czech Republic. To evaluate customer orientation in the market of transport and logistics is highly complex task. To obtain the data necessary for an informed analysis, the open interviews will be made and questionnaires will be distributed to the relevant companies´ managers in the Czech Republic. Due to the concentration of container and logistics activity within a relatively small number of important market players active in the country´s market, the approach of market characteristics will be case study based. Moreover, the research will offer an important analysis of the shipping lines´ and logistics providers´ services in terms of customer service policy in the Czech Republic. The conceptual paper focuses on the literature review, methodology and anticipated results only.

16-22

Authors: Markus Prandini, Petronella Vervoort Isler, Petra Barthelmess

In the aftermath of the 2008/09 financial crisis, business schools had to face increasing criticism to have failed equipping their students with a broad and critical understanding of management and business practices which go beyond pure self-interest. Business schools are supposed to contribute to a holistic understanding of management which creates value along a triple bottom line: profit, people and planet. The triple bottom line finds its realization in the concept of sustainable corporate responsibility. This paper discusses possible approaches for business schools how to educate students to be future generators of sustainable value for business and society at large and to work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy. On the basis of the recently published Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) as well as contemporary learning theories, the paper provides concrete recommendations how to foster students’ development towards long-term thinking, responsible business leaders. The paper argues that student learning needs to occur within powerful learning environments to provide an active, problem-based and self-directed acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Two approaches to create best-practice learning environments are real-life case studies and real-life student projects which both lead to a strong buy in of students, faculty and company partners. Both approaches are exemplified with the bachelor degree program International Management at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland). As a conclusion, a responsible management education fosters the students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes towards responsible business leadership to shape the future direction of the 21st century.

29-36

Authors: Martin Lukeš

The paper is focused on existence and support of entrepreneurial behaviour and innovation in larger organizations. It first suggests why it is important to pay attention to entrepreneurship and innovation and then defines corporate entrepreneurship. Typical barriers of entrepreneurial activities are described as well as innovation dilemmas organizations solve. Innovation process is not linear, but six components of innovation behaviour may be identified, together with specific roles employees play when moving the idea forward from idea creation to implementation. Important factors influencing the success of entrepreneurial behaviour are discussed, involving the role of middle managers and reward systems. Recommendations for fostering entrepreneurial behaviour and innovation are provided together with a simple inventory for measuring employee perception of manager's and organizational support for innovation.

46-51

Authors: Gina Cook

This article presents some of the fundamental values and traits of American national culture with a focus on their potential effect on the behavior of US business people; this was done with a goal to map potential differences from the habits and norms typical in the Central European Region (CEE region) which might have an important impact on business activities. Methodologically, using a literary review including various different cultural frameworks which are briefly examined, the paper utilizes primarily descriptive and comparative methods, as well as analysis and synthesis to comprehend the issue in hand. The author complements this input with real-life personal and professional experience gained by working and living in both geographic regions. Finally, the article provides some key managerial implications for executives operating within the CEE environment who potentially conduct business transactions with Americans or US-based organizations.

14-19

Authors: Joerg Kraigher-Krainer

A two-dimensional scale, called ECID Scale, is presented in this paper. The scale is based on a comprehensive model and captures the two antecedent factors of purchase-related involvement, namely whether motivation is intrinsic or extrinsic and whether risk is perceived as low or high. The procedure of scale development and item selection is described. The scale turns out to perform well in terms of validity, reliability, and objectivity despite the use of a small set of items – four each – allowing for simultaneous measurements of up to ten purchases per respondent. The procedure of administering the scale is described so that it can now easily be applied by both, scholars and practitioners. Finally, managerial implications of data received from its application which provide insights into possible strategic marketing conclusions are discussed.

27-32

Authors: Karel Týra, Miroslav Karlíček

This paper investigates whether the current economic slowdown in the four CEE countries was accompanied by strong growth of private-label share as the theory suggests. Unexpectedly, based on the data of Nielsen Retail Measurement Service, we prove that the private-label share grew relatively slowly, although all four countries had large potential for growth of this share. We demonstrate that the key reason behind this development was most probably the massive in-store promotions that were decreasing the price gap between private labels and branded products. Managerial implications of these findings for both manufacturers and retailers within the region are discussed.

38-44

Authors: Soňa Gullová

We expect businesspeople, managers and representatives to know and apply Central European rules of etiquette. When travelling abroad or dealing with people from different countries the guest, of course, adjusts their behaviour according to their host, however, only as far as their own etiquette allows. However, many Czech managers are ignorant of the rules of their own etiquette. Nowadays, the knowledge of etiquette is becoming an economic must. It is evident that in order to gain or retain a job or be promoted one must abide by its rules. Companies no longer undue behaviour on the side of their employees or for such behaviour to harm the working atmosphere within the company. The more the professional qualification of employees evens out, the more their manners and neat appearance gain in importance. Significant deficiencies in this respect are apparent especially in dealing with foreigners. On international level, perfect manners are imperative.