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This research paper presents a set of parameters by which Fashion and Lifestyle Blog‘s Business Intelligence is defined. Approximately 20 Million blogs perform within the area of Fashion and Lifestyle, representing the most popular blogosphere. Thousands to millions of admirers follow blogs every day transforming the people writing the blogs – the bloggers - into idols and icons in their field of expertise. Subsequently Fashion Bloggers stage a new form of marketing tools as their audience rises. Three blogs have been actively followed for three months serving as case studies to analyze current successful Fashion and Lifestyle Blogs. The qualitative research was concluded with one questionnaire and three interviews. The interviewees were judiciously chosen to cover different perspective of the subject. Though the central focus is on a framework on how to establish a successful blog, issues about marketing, potential sources of revenues, creation and style are essential to this thesis.
Conclusively one omnipotent framework cannot be given, as a) the research is qualitative and b) the research did not uncover such.
A quantitative research would more valuable clues and possibly also an invincible solution joined with premises.
The second wave of globalization that commenced after the end of world war two, saw many nations opening up to each other especially after three decades when it ended. The increasing trade openness has enabled trade between emerging and developed economies to thrive. Global trade has more than doubled for the last two decades, which explains the increasing import and export volumes between developing, and advanced economies OECD report (2011)
In this thesis, we study the impact of trade liberalization on income distribution in developed economies. The author focus on international trade thruogh; trade in merchandise, intermediate goods and trade in services and assess its impact on income/wage disparities bewtween the five percentile groups. The thesis takes the United Kingdom as an example from developed countries and examines trade development (export vs. imports, employment between service and industry sector, foreign direct investment, and real income distribution developments. The findings from this research show that the economic trasition from manufacturing to a service based economy in the United Kingdom largely paved way for the increasing income inequality.
The neoclassical theory of consumer choice is based on the assumption of the rational, calculative and utility-maximizing homo oeconomicus. Behavioral economists question these strong assumptions and aim at providing economics with psychological insights that help to understand the anomalies of standard economic theory. Especially in the context of price perception, consumers tend to rely on heuristics and make systematical mistakes. The purpose of the thesis is to examine the implications of behavioal economics on pricing in order to understand actual human decision behavior. The behavioral concepts will be tested within a real-life context by conducting a case study on Apple Inc. As a result, since it provides valuable insights into consumer price perceptions and actual decision processes, companies as well as consumers are advised to addressing themselves to the study of behavioral economics.
Abstract
Research on the practice of revitalization strategies in developed countries is
growing, but there are still relatively few examinations of specific strikes conducted
in connection with such strategies. This thesis would like to fill this gap.
Drawing on Bronfenbrenner’s and Hickey’s (2004) conceptualization of the
comprehensive campaign as a multifaceted approach, one that has notably been
utilized in the SEIU’s ‘Justice for Janitors’ campaign, this thesis examines how
both the IG BAU and the FNV-Bondgenoten have made use of elements of this
approach in strike action. Analyzing data obtained through expert interviews,
published documents and newspaper reports, I argue that both trade unions have
shown that it is possible to pursue industrial action even with reduced membership
density, while using elements of organizing.
This study examines the role of organizational identity in growing professional service
firms. Previous research has shown that organizational identity has an impact on
strategic decisions, choices as well as issue interpretations. Literature on professional
service firms identified challenges in the creation of successful cooperation among
international companies. Thus the most important contribution of this thesis is to
highlight the importance of organizational identity in internationally growing
professional service firms. It is hypothesized that professional service firms possess
a coherent organizational identity despite internationalization and that this identity
influences the expansion of the firm. To test the hypotheses the researcher conducted
a case study about a professional service firm, called Ecovis, which created its own
network of professional service firms. A qualitative approach was pursued and the
data was collected from four different sources. An interpretative approach by applying
the concept of content-analysis studied the collected data. As predicted, the findings
from the research reveal a common perception of the organizational identity of the
firm within the network. Furthermore it shows that organizational identity is a base for
initiating the expansion of the firm and moreover selecting new partner firms.
The paper concluded that organizational identity is a powerful tool to create a
successful expansion of professional service firms. Therefore it should be taken into
consideration before and during the expansion.
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to identify what constitutes an emerging market, and second, to determine whether Brazil, Russia, India, and China, commonly called the BRICs, can be rightfully classified as emerging markets. In this respect, major multilateral institutions’ country classification systems are analysed to ascertain what indicators are used to categorise countries according to their development stage and economic maturity. The paper finds that these systems lack comprehensive criteria necessary to make accurate decisions, thereby leading to somewhat arbitrary country classifications. Hence, an alternative approach which incorporates economic, political, social, and infrastructural indicators considered relevant in measuring the diverse characteristics of emerging markets is developed. This approach is applied to comparatively analyse the BRICs and qualitatively assess their degree of conformance to the criteria of emerging markets. The results reveal that Brazil, China, and India largely comply with the established criteria; Russia, however, hardly fits into the emerging market category. Moreover, the level of development varies significantly across the BRICs: whereas Brazil and Russia certainly represent the more mature BRICs, China and particularly India still have to substantially improve in order to catch up with the advanced economies. Such results have important implications for multilateral institutions and relief agencies as they provide financial and technical support to countries in need. Eventually, a comprehensive classification system that accurately categorises countries based on their distinct development stages is indispensable in order to allocate the limited resources of such organisations in the most effective way.
Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal Consolidation: New Evidence from the Great Recession in Europe?
(2013)
Large fiscal consolidation packages aiming at reducing budget deficits and debt levels to
prudent levels have been designed to overcome the Great Recession in Europe. This paper
investigates how fiscal consolidation is conducted in four sample countries in order to
comply with the respective limits under the Excessive Deficit Procedure of the Stability
and Growth Pact. The subsequent macroeconomic analysis reveals that the consolidation
measures do not only fall back behind their aim of reducing the public debt-to-GDP ratio,
but lead to overall devastating economic consequences, especially in the peripheral
countries. The central argument of the thesis claims that restrictive austerity measures are
currently self-defeating and harmful for economic growth. Moreover, the reluctance to
induce a change in these measures will drive the economies even further into a state of
recession instead of stabilizing their economic positions. The main finding of this paper is
that the negative outcomes would have been predictable much earlier if policy makers had
based their decisions on standard macroeconomic theory. The underestimation of fiscal
multipliers and the misinterpreted crowding out effect are only some factors that indicates
the need to loosen up the tight budget constraints and refocus on a more growth-friendly
consolidation process.
The term Hidden Champions has been invented in the 1990’s by management thinker
Hermann Simon to designate extremely well performing mid-size businesses, mostly coming
from Germanic countries (Simon, H., 2009). The present study aims to prove and confirm the
presence of such companies in France and to find possible differences and similarities
between Hidden Champions of the two countries. The main results show that the phenomenon
of Hidden Champions exists in France as well but that these companies are less numerous and
smaller in terms of revenues and in terms of employees. Industries in which they operate are
also very different although some similarities have been found. They nevertheless share
similar strategic vision and export-sales ratios with their German counterparts. Origins of
identified differences are partially investigated and elements of culture, administration and
history give first reflections on how to explain them. Finally, new debates and the
introduction to new tools for measuring the criteria concerning notoriety set by Simon are
presented in the last part.
Debate about alternative monetary systems – Silvio Gesell, John Maynard Keynes, Irving Fisher
(2013)
Due to the instability of current financial and monetary markets worldwide and the dysfunc-tions of current capitalism, this Master’s thesis studies alternative monetary systems. The ob-jective of this paper is to debate about historical as well as current alternative monetary sys-tems and to evaluate their concept, theory and success.
First of all, the theoretical approaches to the problems of monetary systems of Silvio Gesell, John Maynard Keynes and Irving Fisher will be analyzed. Furthermore, a critical acclaim will be subjected by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of these reforms. Finally, the theories of the three economists will be compared in order to define similarities and differ-ences. In the second main part, this thesis aims out exploring alternative monetary systems which have been implemented into practice. In the course of this analysis two historical case studies as well as seven current ones will be described and evaluated. The historical alterna-tive monetary systems are based on Gesell’s approach and the current systems represent com-plementary currency systems. The aim of this evaluation is to identify if alternative monetary systems can offer an added value for the economy and society. In the last chapter, this paper also aims out exploring if a global alternative monetary system could be established.
In conclusion, it can be said that all three economists developed alternative monetary systems which could have been very effective at that time. Nowadays, an adaptation of these systems is needed by changing them to complementary currencies instead of replacing the official cur-rencies or by guaranteeing the preservation of national sovereignty for instance. In addition, complementary currency systems can be very successful by stimulating the local economy as well as strengthening the community. Furthermore, they are able to offer a monetary stability, sustainability and reduction of international inequalities. Nevertheless, they have to be man-aged well and there has to be a democratic decision on the amount of complementary curren-cy that should be issued.
In summary, the introduction of complementary currency systems is recommended, because they are able to strengthen the economy as well as the community. If the economy is weak, these systems will have the potential to support the national currency by stimulating the local economy. Furthermore, these systems do not represent a high risk of financial failure due to low start-up costs.
After 1978 economics reform, China started to absorb Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and became the second biggest country in the world after USA for inward FDI. Almost all of famous and big Multi-National Companies (MNCs) invested in China. Huge domestic market, cheap labor force and government incentives make China an attractive place for foreign investors. However, both foreign investors and China have benefited from mutual relation. Yet, FDI has negative impact on China’s wage dispersion and income inequality. This thesis examines the positive and negative effects of FDI in China industrial sector during 1999-2010 using fact findings methodology. Main data is from China Statistical Year Book. The results of this research show that FDI has positive effects on GDP, labour and capital productivity, exports, and workers’ education and skill levels through technology spillover, management know how, and productivity and marketing competence. In contrast, FDI has negative effect on wage inequality and deepened wage gap between skilled and unskilled workers.
Volkswagen is chosen as a case study to examine the effects of its investment on China's car industry. Volkswagen entered into China through joint venture with Chinese partners in 1984, only 6 years after economic reform. Volkswagen long term presence helps it to know Chinese market better and to expand its activity in different regions. Volkswagen with about 20 percent market share in China car industry has big role in spillover effect. High population and fast growing middle class in China motivate Volkswagen to focus only in domestic market. High demand for VW's passenger cars encouraged the company to invest immensely in supply chain in China which has positive effect on labour productivity, investment and workers’ education and skill levels in China's automotive industries. Although, there is no access to precise data about WV's wage structure, yet it is obvious that the wage gap in the company is serious and the company also exacerbates the income inequality in China.
In 2011 for the first time, nearly half of Chinas inhabitants lived in cities. China´s rapid urbanization level remains relatively low compared to other developing countries. Chengdu, China´s fourth largest city, has seen its population increase by 30% in the last ten years. With rapid urbanization comes great socio-economic change, which will challenge the city in the coming years.
This paper intends to use an urbanization process model to evaluate the methods and socio-economic effects of Chengdu´s urbanization. A series of problems are found in the relationship between Chengdu´s urbanization and rural development. Migration may explode in the city and deprive agricultural lands needed to modernize the industry. Furthermore, growth of the city will require more development and city expansion onto China´s increasingly rare fertile lands. This paper will examine the results and offer suggestions on how to Chengdu can continue urbanization responsibly.
Gender in der Verwaltungswissenschaft konkret: Gleichstellungsorientierte Gesetzesfolgenabschätzung
(2013)
Immer noch wird die Mehrheit der Gesetze ohne die Berücksichtigung
von Gleichstellungsaspekten verabschiedet. Dies hat oft negative
Auswirkungen auf die bestehenden Geschlechterverhältnisse. Die
Hartz-Reformen sind nur ein Beispiel dafür. Ein Grund dafür ist, dass
im Alltag der Gesetzesformulierung in den Ministerialverwaltungen
Gleichstellungsaspekte kaum eine Rolle spielen, trotz der Implemen-
tierung von Gender Mainstreaming.
Dieser Artikel stellt die gleichstellungsorientierte Gesetzesfolgenab-
schätzung als Verfahren für die Ministerialverwaltung zur systemati-
schen Ermittlung und Bewertung von Gleichstellungsfolgen vor. Dies
stellt eine gleichstellungsorientierte Alternative zu den gegenwärtigen
gleichstellungsblinden Arbeitsroutinen und Abläufen der Gesetzes-
produktion dar, die zu oft Ungleichheiten perpetuieren statt sie abzu-
bauen.
This paper discusses the problem of mutual perception between contrasting cultures: north and south, rich and poor, High Context and Low Context and a case study of the cooperation between Germany and Tunisia from the standpoint of IT-engineers. According to anthropologist Edward T. Hall cultures can be measured by points of context, freely flowing information or the lack thereof. This paper attempts the shake hands between theory and practice using the insights gained by Edward T. Hall and the practical circumstances generated by joint ventures between Germany and Arab nations and provides a practical list of recommendations for intercultural cooperation.
The integration of RFID technology, particularly along the supply chain of fashion & lifestyle industry, and retail industry in general has an impact on the overall process efficiency, cost effectiveness and time. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify the role of RFID technology in such improvements and the positive effects on business processes and business models with some real life examples of companies in this industry. The review of literature about supply chain management and RFID technology has been used as a research approach followed by empirical study of three particular companies. The study highlights the benefits of RFID integration especially on item level tagging. The case studies result with a conclusive indication of competitive advantages generated by RFID technology at the times of fierce global competition
The focus of this thesis is to study the impact, causes and solutions for Nokia’s strategy worn-out in the hypercompetitive smartphone segment. Based on industry experts interviews, internal documentation and market reports and analyses, the reasons for Nokia’s strategic drift are regrouped around two concepts: industry platform and dynamic capabilities. Three potential solutions, benchmarked from different industries, are suggested to avoid drift situations in similar market environments. Finally, the scenario analysis of
Nokia’s current strategic answers to its drift shows the non-sustainability of Windows Phone’s choice as unique smartphone platform. Corrective suggestions include essentially the leverage of Nokia’s services store, the creation of a cross-platform payment and banking solution and the coring towards vehicle and home entertainment industries. Keywords: Strategic drift, hypercompetition, mobile phone market, industry platform.
Abstract
The following thesis examines China‟s civil aviation industry in the context of its
current conception and the competitive behavior of its airlines in the domestic market. By
analyzing the current competitive conduct in the market, the strategic position of the airlines
and the level of state intervention will be revealed. In order to investigate the airlines‟
competitive behavior in the domestic market a set of two theoretical approaches will be
applied. By the means of the „Choice Theory‟, the influencing factors of choosing the most
suitable airline for a trip will be identified. Furthermore, the „Pricing Theory‟ will be used to
describe the phenomena of discounted fares and yield management created by the airlines in
order to maximize their revenues. The analysis itself consists out of a 40 day long examination
of the lowest fare development in three distinct city pairs.
The results of the analysis will display that although the domestic market is of an
oligopolistic nature, it is a competitive environment with its airlines strategically positioning
themselves from another. It will further indicate that the smaller carriers in the market refrain
from entering in direct competition with the larger airlines and finally, it will also reveal that
there is state intervention towards the booking and pricing policies of the airlines.
Abstract
This study is aimed at examining and comparing revitalisation activities conducted by the three Southern unions labelled as social movement unionism (SMU) such as the Central Únicados Trabalhadores (CUT) from Brazil, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).
This study raises some theoretical issues such as the weakness of ‘multi-dimensional approach’, relationship between revitalisation and trade union power resources, and the relationship between union ideological identity and movement/organisational identity.
In the main chapters, dominant forms of strategies conducted by the three Southern unions along four revitalisation dimensions such as membership, economic, political and institutional vitality are presented with comparative analysis using four factors: socio/economic change, political and industrial relations institutions, employers and state’s strategy and union identity.
This study reaffirms that union’s strategic choice is influenced not only by external environments but by internal dynamics including union identity and leadership. In particular, this study cases demonstrates that strong tradition of SMU which has still remained has had considerable impact on union’s strategic choice, even though they are operating in different external environments.
Lastly, this study suggests that the outcome of revitalisation activities should be measured in more careful manner. As much as the meaning of revitalisation varies cross the countries, the measurement of outcomes also varies. In particular, this study emphasises that union revitalisation process should be interpreted and guided by power resources perspective on the longer term.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and especially Cross-Border M&A increase steadily
worldwide the last decades and are the most preferable way of companies’ expansion. Despite
optimistic expectations, a large number of M&A frequently fail or do not meet their targets.
Most firms, which participate in M&A worldwide, do not take often seriously into account the
important impact of cultural differences (national & organisational) on M&A and the
significant role of cultural integration for the success of the M&A process and the
performance of the new company, with the result either not to proceed to a substantial cultural
integration or the initiated cultural integration to be inappropriate with the failure of M&A as
consequence. Although there is literature in this field, not all dimensions (especially above
ones) are deep researched and is not yet proposed a substantial process to effectively
diagnose, manage and integrate the national and organisational cultural differences in M&A
and a post merger concrete integration process.
Key words: Cross-Border, Mergers and Acquisitions, Culture, Integration, Success, National,
Organisational, Shareholders’ Value, Communication, Cooperation, Teams, Leadership,
Goals, processes, change.
The goal of this paper is to present the main research interests that have been
so far pointed out in the research on the issues of gender relations, employment
and childcare policies in the post-communist countries. First, I will characterise
the specifics of post-communist countries and briefly touch upon the importance
of socialist or communist legacies that are still making it difficult to introduce
gender equality principles and policies in most of these countries. Second, I will
go from this general perspective to more concrete issues, when I present the
varieties of outcomes in terms of childcare and family policies in Central and
Eastern Europe. Third, I will focus more on the situation in two countries:
Hungary and Poland, as they represent the two very different cases within the
whole group of countries. The paper outlines some basic problems and new
research results in the field of family, work and gender relations in the postcommunist
countries. An important message of this paper is that in spite of
common historical events and economic challenges shared by the postcommunist
countries, we can observe a variety of child care policy mixes within
this group of countries.
The general question raised in this paper is whether the relatively harmonic
image of a Scandinavian welfare model characterised by nearly full employment,
generous welfare benefits and ambitious principles of equality are downsized
when we are dealing with immigrants. In other words, is the Scandinavian
welfare model a stable pioneering model when the ‘immigrant dimension’ is
incorporated?
The paper sheds light on this rather broad question by examining two sets of
empirical questions concerning the output (the incorporation of the ‘immigrant
dimension’ into welfare state policies) and the outcome level (the impact of the
Scandinavian welfares state on immigrants’ integration into the host society),
respectively:
1) Output: Are the ambitious principles concerning solidarity, universalism,
equality and redistribution downscaled when it comes to welfare state policies
substantially targeted at immigrants? 2) Outcome: To what extent have the
Scandinavian welfare states been successful in promoting labour market
inclusion and reducing poverty and gender inequality among immigrants?
The paper argues that the relatively harmonic image of a stable model and
unified group of generous Scandinavian welfare states falls apart at some point
when the ‘immigrant dimension’ is incorporated.
Diese Studie unternimmt eine methodisch-empirische Bestandsaufnahme zur geleisteten
(bezahlten und unbezahlten) Arbeit von Frauen und Männern in Deutschland und ihren
empfangenen Sozialleistungen. Daraus werden Vorschläge für ein Forschungsdesign
„Gender Accounting“ entwickelt, welches die Bilanzierung eines durchschnittlichen Frauen-
und Männerlebens erlaubt. Ziel dieser Bilanzierung ist es, Ansatzpunkte für sozialpolitische
Maßnahmen unter Berücksichtigung von Geschlechterunterschieden zu identifizieren.
Das Thema der sexuellen Orientierung – zunehmend ausgedrückt mit der
Abkürzung GLBT für Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender – gewinnt im öffentlichmedialen
Bereich immer mehr an Präsenz. Über das Diversity Management
Konzept, das die Vielfalt der Belegschaft als Schlüsselgröße für den
geschäftlichen Erfolg betrachtet, wird es auch vermehrt in die Wirtschaft
getragen. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht vor diesem Hintergrund, inwiefern
der Umgang mit der sexuellen Orientierung am Arbeitsplatz als ein Aspekt von
menschlicher Vielfalt zum Unternehmenserfolg beitragen kann. Dazu werden
bisherige Forschungen zum Thema aufgegriffen und anhand einer Umfrage im
GLBT MitarbeiterInnennetzwerk von IBM Deutschland empirisch geprüft. Im
Fokus stehen die Folgen eines offen(er)er Umgangs mit der sexuellen
Orientierung für das Individuum, insbesondere bezüglich der Produktivität, und
das Unternehmen. Außerdem wird erörtert, welchen Einfluss Diversity
Management auf die Situation für GLBTs am Arbeitsplatz hat. Die Ergebnisse
stützen die Vermutung, dass die mit (GLBT) Diversity Management geförderte
sichtbare Vielfalt in der Belegschaft hinsichtlich der sexuellen Orientierung und
der aktive Umgang mit dem Thema auf allen Ebenen zum geschäftlichen Erfolg
eines Unternehmens beitragen kann.
In this paper, I will present an overview of debates and empirical data concerning
what has been called the “unfinished” gender equality revolution from the
perspective of the gender division of paid and unpaid work and of the role of social
policies in either supporting or weakening this division. I will first discuss research
and debates on the link between the gender division of unpaid family
work and inequality in the labour market. Then, focusing exclusively on parenthood
as a crucial factor in (re-)producing differences between men and women
as well as among men and among women, I will discuss how different childcare
and parenthood policy packages contribute to strengthening or, on the contrary,
reducing the gendered impact of parenthood on labour market participation and
also social class differences among women. Finally, I will discuss how the present
economic crisis and the global competition through labour costs may affect further
developments in this policy field.
Abgesehen von dem europäischen Zahlungsmittel, dem Euro, hat sich die Europäische
Union eher unbemerkt zu einer Rechtsgemeinschaft entwickelt, die unser
Alltagsleben und die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen in vielfältiger Weise beeinflusst
und verändert hat. Im Zentrum meines Beitrages steht die Frage, inwieweit
die europäische Rechtspraxis die Gleichberechtigung der Frauen in Europa
fördert und welche Chancen bzw. Risiken sie beinhaltet. Zu Recht sind bisher gerade
aus der Geschlechterperspektive die Demokratiedefizite und die vorherrschende
Marktorientierung des europäischen Einigungsprozesses kritisiert worden.
Die neueren Ansätze zur vergleichenden Sozialpolitikforschung, die von Feministinnen
in Europa im Blick auf die nach wie vor geschlechtsspezifische Arbeitsteilung
und die ungleiche Verteilung aller fürsorglichen Tätigkeiten/Care zu
einem Konzept von Bürgerrechten/Citizenship erweitert und radikalisiert wurden,
eröffnen gleichwohl Perspektiven, wie die politischen Mitwirkungsrechte der europäischen
Bürgerin neu zu denken und in Anspruch zu nehmen sind.
The Czech Republic has almost 12 years of experience with promoting equal opportunities
between women and men, five years as a member of the European Union. It
can therefore serve as a good example of ups and downs of the process in the new
member states. In my speech, I shall briefly recapitulate the history of equalopportunities
efforts in the Czech Republic against the backdrop of the usual indicators
(e.g. women’s employment, unemployment, gender pay gap, political participation
etc.). I shall also discuss the EU’s performance and (dis-)interest in the situation
in the new member states. As the title suggests, I shall argue that government’s
efforts to promote equal opportunities for women and men are half-hearted and have
minimal impact on the women’s condition. The EU does little to nothing to help bring
a real change.
The concept of equal opportunitiesP
1
P for women and men had no relevance for the
Czech government before 1998 since gender equality was supposedly one of the cornerstones
of socialism. Things did not change also during the first years after the fall
of the Iron Curtain. While various „women”P
2
P non-governmental organizations tried to
put gender inequalities on public agenda since the early 90s, politicians and state
bureaucrats paid no attention to their efforts. This was despite the fact that the
Czech Republic signed the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Discrimination against Women as already as in March 1982.
The change came in the end of 1998. However, the reason was not a genuine interest
in equality, rather it was directly related to a prospect of joining the European
Union (EU). Since then, we can trace a history of government’s equal opportunity
efforts which I shall briefly sketch in this paper. Concretely, I shall first provide basic
information about gender inequalities in the Czech Republic. Than, I shall outline the
main twists and turns of efforts of the successive Czech governments to build an
adequate institutional mechanism to support promotion of equal opportunities. Finally,
I shall also look at the impact of the EU along the way.
Footnotes:
P
This chapter presents in brief the EU‟s policy geared towards equality issues,
both with regard to gender and more broadly. It then discusses (non-)
compliance with EU law as a major problem and presents potential remedies.
The latter are tailor-made on the basis of findings from two large-scale
research projects on EU policy implementation, in the „old” EU15 plus later
four countries from Central and Eastern Europe: the Czech Republic, Hungary,
Slovakia and Slovenia.
Going beyond the traditional „compliance“ debate that is ongoing in various
journals and geared towards a specialized political science sub-community,
this contribution focuses on the wider social reform issues arising from the
finding that there are serious compliance problems almost everywhere in
the EU, particularly when enforcement and application of the equality and
working time standards are considered and not only formal „transposition“
into domestic law.
Gender mainstreaming as a principle of designing, implementing and evaluating policies according to their impact on men and women and their lives is one of the leading principles of EU policies. All national governments agreed on this principle but only a few countries really developed a gender mainstreaming approach. The paper is an attempt to describe the development of employment policies in Germany since mid 2000 and to analyze its gender impact – as far as possible. It shows that most elements of the far reaching reforms of labour market regulations which came into force since 2005 do have a negative impact on women's employment position, especially regarding the wages and employment conditions. The German government – although committed to the overall principle – did not hesitate to implement its policies although the negative impact could be foreseen. The paper covers the period till 2008, the recent developments since the beginning of the economic crisis are not included.