Management strategies in transitional economies: Organisational restructuring and employment relations (ER) at Cesky Telecom

摘要

Purpose - To provide an analysis of the privatisation of the Czech Republic's former state-owned telecommunications monopoly, Cesky Telecom, in relation to governance, organisational restructuring and strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices. Design/methodology/approach - This research project used a qualitative approach that supported an in-depth case study analysis. This included semi-structured interviews that were conducted across a broad range of stakeholders associated with the Czech telecommunications sector. SHRM and downsizing theories were used to assist in the analysis of this data. Findings - The paper finds that management strategies at Cesky Telecom exhibited some similarities with those of Western TelCos facing similar deregulation issues. However, these processes were tempered by country-specific historical and institutional factors, including the relatively weak institutional structures and mechanisms found in Eastern Europe. Research limitations/implications - A qualitative analysis concentrating on one case study lessens the universal applicability of the findings. Practical implications - A useful source of information for academic researchers and HRM practitioners who wish to conduct research and/or manage workers in the Czech Republic. Originality/value - Provides an original case study analysis within an important strategic sector that has undergone large-scale change the telecommunications sector of Eastern Europe.