Organization Studies in the Czech Republic.

At the beginning of the 90's, when the process of transition from a centrally planned to a free market system got underway in the Czech Republic, the main focus of scientific and research activities changed substantially. After 1989, during the transition period, the main focus shifted from production to the output side of organizations; to boosting sales and finding potential customers. The current academic programme concentrates on new topics directly connected with the changing economic environment of Czech organizations. There have also been substantial changes in the financing and organization of research in the Czech Republic. The former central ministry level of decision making, which specifies research topics and how they will be financed, has been completely transformed. One of the biggest current challenges facing the Czech Republic is the necessity to develop public management and to increase civil service standards, because in many areas of Czech administration, like legislation, the courts, police, financial institutions, health care, and education, the legislation and efficiency of the civil service do not match those of countries within the European Union.