0000000000754851
AUTHOR
ĒRika ŠUmilo
Trade in Central and Eastern European countries ten years after their EU accession — Is there convergence?
The paper focuses on the effects of EU’s Eastern Enlargement of 2004 on trade convergence within the EU and among the new member states from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE-8). Using sigma-convergence approach, it finds evidence of convergence of exports and imports per capita as well as of productivity levels associated with the member states’ export baskets. Convergence of territorial and commodity structures of trade has not occurred; conversely, divergence has been observed, leading to the possible conclusion that multinational companies have adjusted their production structure in facilities across the EU to achieve higher economies of scale. Correlation analysis shows that revealed com…
SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
Socio-cultural factors – shared values, norms and attitudes are significant, but less acknowledged sources of international competitiveness. Previous studies have found socio-cultural factors positively affecting various aspects of international competitiveness – entrepreneurship, innovation, productivity and international cooperation. These factors are more sustainable and less affected by external environment changes in comparison with the traditional factors. Socio-cultural factors provide an opportunity to develop competitiveness strategies based on unique advantages. This research aims to explore the impact of socio-cultural factors on international competiveness in small, open economi…
The Needs that Individuals and Organizations Seek to Fulfil by Contemporary Employment Agreements: The Case of Latvia
The paper analyses a contemporary employment deal looking for the answers to the question: “What needs do individuals and organizations seek to fulfil by employment in Latvia?” To answer this question the authors have developed the individual-organizational values exchange model based on E. Schein’s organizational culture formation model suggesting that the behaviour of individuals and organizations mirrors the basic values and needs of both actors. The needs are studied applying A. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.