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The present paper brings a new insight in the welfare state development analysis in Romania, considering the political influences, the macroeconomic challenges and the comparative position with the former communist states of Central and Eastern Europe. Although these countries have experienced the transition period to the market economy from similar circumstances, the main assumptions of this paper state different levels of economic openness and involvement in the globalisation process. According to the common features identified in the welfare states in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, this paper will synthesize the most important indicators of the welfare state dynamism in Romania, creating new links with the public and corporate interventions and offering a clear insight in the recent evolution of european social economic models. The main findings of this paper establish new links in the Romanian welfare state analysis, providing the necessary tools to adjust both the theory and practice through a constant remodeling of social and economic policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been made considerable progress in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) field in Romania, there are limited research papers presenting the CSR dynamics in the banking system. One of the main objectives of this paper is to highlight the CSR particularities for two of the most important banks operating on the local market: The Romanian Commercial Bank and BRD - Groupe Société Générale. This approach will outline the significant relationships in the CSR development, building on the dominant CSR themes and focusing on both similarities and differences in order to select the appropriate CSR practical framework. The results of this paper reveal a competitive context in the Romanian banking sector for the CSR initiatives, the influence of the marketing forces and particular CSR measures to rebuild banking trust. The CSR commitment of the banks address societal needs through the employee volunteering, as a new form of competitive advantage, becoming a strategic point in the reputational and financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic environment is facing various challenges in an internationalized context, creating the premises for new structural reforms in the global management. Knowing the deficiencies of the past experiences, the main challenge is to create a unique model of development that should sustain both the social welfare and the economic progress. This paper is based on the assumption that a standard social model can only provide fragmentary results and can lead to a dysfunctional economic relationships. The main outcomes of this paper sustain the idea of improving the major indicators of the welfare state only after a proper adjustment of the social economic models to the national context. Starting from a structured comparative analysis of the major economic social models, the paper will outline the evidence that a complete model for the welfare state is a composite structure, involving both budgetary and social indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of a European social economic model becomes impetuous necessary because in the recent years the middle class of society was eroded significantly. Now more than ever, the authorities need to develop a viable strategy to contain structural and functional elements of a European social economic model. Based on the four models we have foreshadowed in our research the socio-economic policy mix that can build a strong and sustainable economy, which meet the requirements of the European social model. Information extracted from the article is useful because it indicates the direction to be taken into account to optimize the "welfare state" of the other European social models. In this regard it should be considered efficient labor market, develop social protection only for deprived people and nominal wage growth, and hence the real one. Only this way can lead to a social welfare state sustainable in all the evolution stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the errors of the past and learning from them, we have a chance to take the right decisions for the present and future. Taking into account the challenges posed by the current global economic crisis, it becomes necessary to concern about finding solutions to overcome its premises and to ensure healthy and sustainable economic growth, social welfare and capable of providing an efficient business environment. The efficiency of the Scandinavian model and the welfare of the population that belong to those countries face difficulties recently due to the increased rate of migration. To avoid an economic crisis northern states must find new solutions as control of social transfers, stimulating investment and efficient management of the migration phenomenon to fade negative fluctuations in the global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European social models that emerged in Europe are answers to various problems faced by micro and macroeconomic activity. An insight into the economic situation of all European social models emphasizes that the Nordic model has the highest efficiency in terms of economic results. The states that belong to the scandinavian model are characterized by stable economic growth, strong social democracy, a strong trade union movement, low levels of corruption and universality of the system that helps companies to overcome difficult moments. This paper highlights the micro and macroeconomic policies that have led to economic stability and very good results in terms of living standards. The main hypothesis of the paper assumes that investments in education and workforce improvement led to the growth of the living standards in the Scandinavian model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By 2020, the European Union, prefigures an economic and social system based on social and economic policy coordination in order to generate the growth for a sustainable development, for the level of employment and social cohesion. The challenges faced by the European Union are greater than before the recession and have a much broader area, starting with fundamental economic issues to social instability. This paper provides an overview of how the European social model should revive the economic system. The main hypothesis of the paper assumes that social market economy with valence in social responsibility can be a viable solution for the future of the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]